Grace Lynn Folsom

Grace Lynn Folsom, 75, died on December 1st, 2025, at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center. Grace is remembered as a leader-dedicated and feisty-and a true force of nature. She faced every job and challenge in life with commitment and fervor, including her final battle with the rare autoimmune disease she had.

Grace was born in Kentucky in 1950 and grew up in Miami Shores, Florida. She graduated from Miami Edison High School and maintained close connections with her friends and memories from that period. She then moved to Baltimore to pursue nursing at the University of Maryland, later earning a second degree in Computer Science. Grace remained in Baltimore until she moved to Laytonsville, Maryland to marry her husband.

Grace retired after two careers: first as a Registered Nurse at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, and at other local hospitals. She worked in Oncology, Hematology, and the Medical Intensive Care Unit and was known as someone dedicated to patient care, a passionate patient advocate, and an exceptional teacher and mentor. The nurses she worked with formed a lifelong bond, and many of these friends supported her throughout her illness.

Grace pursued her second career in software development with the same passion, notably developing air traffic control software for several years at Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). After working at Manugistics and ADP, her last position was at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), where she worked on software that helps ensure fair, honest practices in the securities industry. She was very proud to contribute to both air traffic safety and effective market oversight.

Grace cared deeply for anyone in need. Friends, neighbors, and family members are aware of the many kind acts and aid she offered. Her compassion extended beyond her circle; she helped in efforts to ease hardship, create opportunities for everyone, and promote social justice. And she simply loved life: skiing, horse racing, kayaking, and gathering with friends were among the activities that she enjoyed.

In retirement, Grace enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends. At home, she loved arranging flowers from her garden for family and friends-her Dahlias and Hydrangeas were favorites. Grace also loved to cook-she might have been happiest preparing one of her epic meals to share with guests over wine and storytelling. She also expressed her love for animals by volunteering at a wildlife rescue and caring for the many stray cats that entered her life.

Grace is survived by her husband, Raymond Ahlberg; her brother, David Folsom; and her nieces Heather Folsom and Holly Kruse.

A celebration of life will be held sometime in early 2026. If you wish to honor Grace, consider donating to your favorite charity that protects the environment, provides better educational opportunities for everyone, or alleviates hunger caused by poverty or disaster.