Mary Grohosky

Mrs. Mary Jean Grohosky, 78, of Salado, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025 in Round Rock, TX. Born on November 4, 1946, in Gilmer, Texas, Mary lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

Mary graduated in 1968 from the Texas Eastern School of Nursing with a three-year Associate Degree in Nursing. That same year, she proudly passed the Texas State Board Final Exam for Nursing and became a Registered Nurse—a milestone that launched a remarkable 50-year career dedicated to caring for others.

Her professional journey began at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin and continued at Holy Cross Hospital in East Austin. She later served as a surgical nurse at the Austin State Hospital before transitioning into home health care with Girling Health Care, where she rose to the role of Director of Nursing. Eventually, she joined Community Services under Austin State Hospital—later known as Bluebonnet Trails Community Services—where she served for over 26 years as a Certified Psychiatric Nurse.

Mary’s profound knowledge of mental health and her compassionate approach allowed her to care for hundreds of patients throughout her career. Her patients admired her deeply, and her co-workers held her in high regard for her tireless work ethic and genuine friendship. The doctors she worked alongside respected her dedication to patient care and often praised her professionalism and empathy.

Mary’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. In December of 1967, while training for psychiatric nursing, she met the love of her life, Steve Grohosky, on a blind date. Just three months later they were engaged. Despite the heartbreak of losing her father the following month at the young age of 47—a loss that deeply affected Mary, her mother Zula, and her brother Ralph—she persevered with the encouragement of her mother and completed nursing school. She graduated on August 1st, 1968 and married Steve just nine days later on August 10th. They resided in South Austin until they moved to Round Rock, TX. In March of 1973. They lived there for nearly thirty years and moved to Salado, TX. in January 2002.

In 1970, Mary gave birth to their only child, Nianne Van Bibber, whom she cherished deeply. In 2011, when Nianne adopted three young children from distant relatives, Mary embraced her role as grandmother wholeheartedly. Elizabeth, Christopher, and Tiffeny Van Bibber became the light of her life—her pride and joy. She loved teaching them new things and always encouraged them to make wise choices.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Zula Wedgeworth and Albert Joslin; and by her dear brother Ralph Joslin, who tragically drowned in Lake of the Pines on July 3rd, 1974 at the age of 19.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Steve Grohosky; her loving daughter Nianne Van Bibber; and her adored grandchildren Elizabeth, Christopher, and Tiffeny Van Bibber.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Mary lived each day guided by prayer and scripture. She began a women’s home Bible study group in the 1970s that blossomed into lifelong friendships. She was known for sharing the Gospel with grace at every opportunity and for serving others through hospitality, encouragement, and fellowship. Her faith never wavered; it was the cornerstone of how she lived—as a wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend.

Mary also found joy in simple pleasures: gardening in the Texas sun, creating beautiful needlepoint pieces by hand, cooking meals filled with love for family gatherings. She enjoyed traveling to places like Charleston, South Carolina; Hawaii; and on Caribbean cruises—experiences that brought color and adventure into her well-rounded life.

Those who knew Mary will remember a woman whose heart was open to all—a reflection of the kindness instilled in her by her mother. She made friends wherever she went and treasured each one dearly.

Mary Jean Grohosky leaves behind a legacy of love rooted in Christian faith and service. Her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. The family would like to thank the doctors at Baylor, Scott, and White and Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia for all the care given to Mary.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Visitation will be held on May 8, 2025, from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home 14501 N. Interstate Hwy 35. A Funeral Service will be held on May 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home 14501 N. Interstate Hwy 35. There will be a graveside service and reception to follow at Cook-Walden Funeral Home.