Elizabeth "Libby" Gruender

Elizabeth Gruender Obituary

Elizabeth "Libby" Gruender
August 14, 1960 - January 02, 2013
Resident of Sunnyvale
Surrounded by her loving family, Libby passed away peacefully Jan. 2, 2013. She waged a courageous battle against cancer and spent her last few weeks under hospice care at her home in Sunnyvale, Calif. Her survivors include her husband, John Groat, sons Jason and Alex Groat, and sisters Martha Gruender and Reesha Gruender.
Libby was born in Manhattan, Kan., but grew up mostly in Tallahassee, Fla., where her sisters still reside. A graduate of Florida State University with a degree in physics, Libby also played the harp for many years and won medals as a master rower. She moved to the Silicon Valley for work in 1989. She spent her first 10 years at Lockheed Martin, where she would meet John. They married and spent 15 happy years together. After Lockheed, where she was a program manager for satellite launches, Libby held various management positions at smaller high tech firms including Diva TV, CPU Tech and Everyone.net.
When she was initially diagnosed with melanoma cancer more than three years ago, she left high tech and founded the nonprofit group Cake4Kids. By far her most fulfilling achievement, the group provides birthday cakes to underprivileged youths, such as those in foster homes, who would not otherwise have a birthday celebration. Under her guidance, Cake4Kids now has hundreds of volunteers throughout the Bay Area and provides cakes to about 1,000 kids annually.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Wed. Jan. 9, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at the Domain Hotel, 1085 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cake4Kids. Visit the website Cake4Kids.org for details.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jan. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Gruender

12 Entries

Katherine Hale

October 23, 2013

Libby was a wonderfully kind, strong, and fun-loving individual. I feel fortunate to have known her.

Janice Thurber

January 26, 2013

My sincerest deepest Sympathy.
Libby will be missed by many of her co-workers.

Sue Vincent

January 9, 2013

I only met And worked with Libby one time but I saw that Libby lit up the room wherever she was. I pray that her family can think of her fondly wherever they see a candle flame or a light. May God bless you all with light.

Debbie Sandoval

January 7, 2013

Libby's dedication to helping less fortunate children through not only providing birthday cakes but other activities like cooking classes, the planned parenthood baby shower and the support of Unity care were without a doubt the acts of an angel. She will be missed by many but never forgotten.

Christina Cary

January 5, 2013

Libby offered so many of us a wonderful opportunity to contribute to others through Cake4Kids. I could see her using all of her professional skills and personal passion to develop C4K and help as many children as possible. Everyone on the board was in awe of her devotion and energy. Thank you, Libby, for sharing your big heart with all of us.

Mark Fretwell

January 4, 2013

Sorry to hear of your loss.
It was a pleasure to know Libby during my years in California.
Mark A. Fretwell

Charla Carter

January 4, 2013

I guess God needed a new Angel. My prayers are with your family, Libby.

Paul Blanchard

January 4, 2013

More than just a good person, you could see Libby's goodness rub off on others. I know some rubbed off on me... My thoughts and prayers are with you John.

January 4, 2013

I did not know Libby well, but her smile and warmth were unforgettable. To those left behind: may time, fond memories and the love and support of family and friends ease your heartache.
Sincerely, Georgann Meadows

"Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are" --St John Chrysostom

Gina Harris

January 3, 2013

Libby your light will continue to shine through your children and all who love you.

Gina Harris

January 3, 2013

Outgoing and vivacious, Libby always had a beautiful smile to offer and as well as a helping hand. You will truly be missed. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to know you, to learn from you and to work with you. You will be sorely missed. May your family find comfort in God knowing you are no longer in pain and are in heaven spreading your contagious smile and joy.

Ron Connolly

January 3, 2013

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to John Groat and the entire Libby Gruender family. She was such a vivacious, active, and extremely giving young woman. I had the pleasure of working with Libby for many years at the Blue Cube. I know she will be sorely missed by all that knew her. God Bless John, and Libby's entire family and all her many friends.

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