Libby was a long-time resident of Birmingham having moved there in 1972 from Binghamton, NY. Libby was born in 1931 in Scranton, PA and graduated as Valedictorian from Holy Rosary High School. She went on to St. Mary’s Nursing School in Scranton to become an RN. She married James Patrick Groark in 1956. Libby worked as a nurse for Brookwood Hospital for many years to provide for her children. A devout Catholic, Libby attended daily Mass at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and was involved in several ministries of the church. Libby loved the Lord and wrote a daily journal to Him to express her devotion. Libby was active in area organizations for individuals with intellectual disabilities, such as ARC and Exceptional Foundation. Libby was also an avid Atlanta Braves fan, watching their games nightly during baseball season.
She is survived by eight of her nine children and many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren: Elizabeth Marie Groark Hyde, James Patrick Groark, Jr., Sean Patrick Groark (Julie), Kieran Marie Groark Gibson (Gary), Patrick Robert Groark, Mary Patricia Groark Lowery (Charles), Brian Tadgh Groark (Jackie), and Maureen Rose Groark Holt. She is also survived by her sisters Margaret Mary Hetz Messimer and Ann Marie Hetz Healey (Tom) and sister-in-law Rose Hetz. She is predeceased by her parents: Robert Andrew Hetz and Mary Ellen Kelly Hetz, her brother Robert Andrew Hetz, Jr. and her son Berard Robert Groark.
There will be a visitation at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover on Monday, October 2nd at 9:00 AM followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass. A graveside service will then be held at Elmwood Cemetery: Father Paul Kelly officiating. Subsequently, a reception for friends and family will take place at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama.
Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.
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