Jacqueline Grunwell

Jacqueline “Jackie” Grunwell, 83, of Frederick, MD passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024. She was born on September 20, 1940 in Washington, DC. She grew up in Bethesda, MD, the oldest of seven children born to James “Jim” Gibbons and Lavina “Beans” Gibbons. She graduated from Georgetown Visitation in Washington, DC and attended the University of Maryland in College Park.

Jackie was a devoted wife and mother. In 1964, she married Tommy Grunwell, who later became a prominent radio personality at WFMD and WFRE in Frederick. She and Tommy moved to Frederick in 1970 where she raised their six children almost single-handedly. Jackie embraced her role as a stay-at-home Mom and was significantly involved in their many activities. She supported the swim teams at the YMCA, VFW and Monocacy Aquatic Club. She was active in the Thomas Johnson High School Sports Boosters program and was instrumental in establishing a varsity swim program in Frederick County public schools. She was one of the founding organizers of the TJAY football program in the early 1990s.

Jackie also was a prominent presence in the lives of her children’s friends. Many have described her as a “second mom” or their “Thanksgiving mom.” She was a stabilizing influence and provided rides to school and after-school activities to many who would not have been willing or
able to get there without her help.

Jackie is survived by her husband Tommy, and her six children, Michelle and husband John Martin, Michael and wife Gretchen Grunwell, Kevin and wife Pam Grunwell, Karen Burns, Sean and wife Julie Grunwell, and Shannon Grunwell. Jackie adored and was adored by her15 grandchildren, Georgi, Norah, Nolan, Cole, Allison, Ryan Burns, Ryan Martin, Regan, Jake, Robie, Erin, Colin, Rhiannon, Conor, and Declan.

Jackie is also survived by four of her siblings, Sharon and husband Sam Nicholson, Lynn and husband Kenny Brown, Michael Gibbons, and Terry and wife Wendy Gibbons. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Laura Schafer, brother-in-law, Alfred Grunwell and numerous nieces and nephews, including Jon Eric and wife Tamara, Francis and wife Sandra, Tom and wife Cathy, Alex, Dawn and husband Joe, Patrick and wife Laura, Sam and wife Miriam, Katie and husband Bahman, James and wife Becca, Matthew, Thomas, Marin and husband John, Carly, Kelly, and
Megan and husband Mac. She was preceded in death by her parents and two of her brothers James and Thomas Gibbons.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 5 from 10 to noon at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church. Funeral mass to follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Catholic Charities or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.