Judith DeGroote Obituary

Judith "Judy" Ann [Westerbeck] DeGroote died peacefully in her home in Waterloo, IA on October 5, 2024. Judy was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is fondly remembered and will be dearly missed by her doting husband of 61 years, Marvin DeGroote, and their five children, 12 grandchildren, son-and daughters-in-law, and many others.
Born July 24, 1942, Judy was a member of the first graduating class of Columbus High School in 1960. She went on to attend college at Iowa State University.
Judy married the love of her life, Marvin DeGroote, on September 7, 1963. The two created a loving home for their children. Over time, they welcomed their daughters-in-law and son-in-law and their grandchildren into their home with that same warmth. Judy's love for her ever-growing family was everything to her.
Judy blazed a trail for other women in her work in banking, doing so with grace and confidence. Through her tenacity, she became the first female Vice President of The National Bank of Waterloo. While there, she helped change an important archaic employment policy. She lost seniority and was forced to resign with the birth of each of her children. Judy battled to reverse this policy, changing the way pregnant employees were reinstated at the bank. This policy continues to uplift and enhance the lives of women and their families today.
After retiring from banking in 1997, Judy teamed up with her daughter Debra, and together they opened PeekaBoo, a children's boutique in downtown Cedar Falls, IA. She continued using her banking skills while handling the books for Peekaboo until her second retirement in 2012. She loved working alongside her daughter, and their business brought much joy and many memories to the community where it still resides to this day.
Judy had a core group of friends who referred to themselves as the "Pals". The Pals were eight women who shared many of life's special moments. This tight-knit group traveled together and also shared time at monthly gatherings. They were with each other throughout decades of celebrations and comforted each other while sharing in life's most difficult moments. Judy treasured her friendships with these amazing women.
Enjoying the sunshine was a great passion for Judy, and if she could do so on a beach while searching for seashells, all the better. Add friends, family, a good romance novel, and maybe some nice iced tea and a bowl of peanuts or popcorn bliss.
Judy took the celebration of Christmas to a new level. Because it was her favorite holiday, she would spend weeks in Christmas preparation mode decorating the house, baking treats and meticulously wrapping presents. But she most enjoyed Christmas Day, with her family gathered around her. Judy was a master of thoughtful gifts, and throughout the year she ensured everyone in the family was remembered on their birthdays with lovely gifts, cards, and celebrations.
Over a decade ago, Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Although the disease progressed slowly, Marv's wonderful and loving care allowed her to remain in the comfort of their home even through this most difficult last year. Along with Marv's dedication, Judy and Marv were blessed by Unity Point Hospice, who were there to offer guidance and care in her last year. Despite everything Alzheimer's takes away from a person, Judy never lost her zest for life, her laughter, nor her love for all. She may no longer have been able to say the names of those she loved so dearly, but her love was always felt in her gentle touch and in her incredible hugs. When Judy hugged she did so with intensity and hesitated to let go. Until her last days, "I love you" was the one phrase Judy could still say. And she meant it with all of her heart.
Judy is survived by her husband, Marvin (Waterloo, IA), her children, Jeffrey and his wife Andrea (San Antonio, TX), David and his wife Vicky (Milwaukee, WI), Mark (Cedar Falls, IA), Debra Kroll and her husband Patrick (Scottsdale, AZ), Michael and his wife Carey (Cedar Falls, IA), and grandchildren, Taylor, Jordan, and Peyton DeGroote (TX), Shelby and Phoebe DeGroote (WI), Sophia DeGroote (IA), Avery, Asher, and Charlotte Kroll (AZ), Connor, Brianna, and Alivia DeGroote (IA). She is also survived by her brother Michael Westerbeck and his wife Kris, Judy's sister-in-law Carol Marr and husband Merrill, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ruth [VanGorder] Westerbeck, and her brother, William "Bill" Westerbeck.
Judy DeGroote's family is planning a celebration of her beautiful life in July of 2025.
If desired, memorial contributions in her name can be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/
We will forever honor the incredible woman you were: a loving wife, a caring mother & grandmother and a devoted friend.