Julia Groberg Blair Obituary

Last updated on: October 3, 2020 at 6:51 pm by Margaret Blair Young

Julia Groberg Blair Obituary 2020-10-03T18:51:35-07:00 Margaret Blair Young

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Obituary

Julia Gay Groberg Blair passed away at home on Monday, September 21, 2020 in Provo, Utah, surrounded by her daughters. She was born to Delbert and Jennie Holbrook Groberg on December 28, 1932 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where she grew up. A talented actress and violinist, she majored in English at BYU, where she met her husband, Robert Wallace Blair. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 17th, 1954. Shortly after Julia graduated from BYU, she gave birth to the first of the couple’s eight children.

Julia Blair’s influence touched the whole world. She and Bob lived in China, Russia, the Baltic States, Guatemala, and Mexico. She taught English and directed Chinese students in productions of “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Christmas Carol” during her stays in Mainland China.

She loved her husband, who devoted himself to her entirely during the last months of his life when Julia was facing a health crisis. One of her greatest joys was serving as his companion when they were called to preside over the Baltic States Mission from 1993-96. She loved the elders and sisters, who continued to visit her for the rest of her life. Her home-home was in Provo, Utah, where Bob was a BYU professor of linguistics.

The greatest joys of Julia’s life were her children. She and Bob had their first five children, Margaret, Dell, Robert, Jenette, and Lisa between 1955-1961. After eight years, they started their “second family”, comprising James, Benjamin, and Carol. She supported all eight in swim meets, dramatic performances, recitals, music lessons, and filmmaking. She was at her children’s sides during their most difficult days, including their experiences with divorce, severe injury, heart failure, and the outrageous fortunes of parenthood. She rejoiced in the music which continued down the generations and was always thrilled to hear her grandchildren play their various instruments. She loved each of her 33 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Julia was the second oldest of the Groberg’s eleven children and took care of her brothers and sisters when they came to BYU. They took turns living in her basement. She also cared for foreign visitors from all over the world.

She will be remembered for her smiles, the whistles which always accompanied her housework, her instant welcomes to everyone, her heartfelt compliments, her fascinating casseroles and spice cakes. Even in the difficult days after her stroke a year ago, she would respond to questions about her health with, “I’m doing fine. Now, how are YOU?”

On the eve of her death, she sang to “Come, Come Ye Saints,” repeating the words, “All is well.” A cousin sent her a piano solo and she identified it hours before her passing: “Going Home.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, who died in 2016. All eight of her children and their spouses survive her.

Her funeral will be on Saturday, September 26th. Due to safety concerns and in consultation with professionals and family members, it has been decided to invite only her posterity to the funeral service and to not have a viewing. However, the funeral will be streamed live and recorded so all can participate remotely. There will be a 12 minute slideshow of Julia’s life on a YouTube channel where we would appreciate any comments or memories you would like to share here: SLIDESHOW

Uncategorized

Previous Post

August 21, 2020

Did they take "Under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance?

Next Post

June 30, 2021 The Lumumba Journey

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Ancestors family conflict in the scriptures race and religion Uncategorized

Select a Month August 2026 March 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 July 2025 April 2025 March 2025 January 2025 November 2024 May 2024 April 2024 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 June 2023 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 January 2022 December 2021 October 2021 September 2021 July 2021 June 2021 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 March 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 June 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 September 2018 August 2018 May 2018 March 2018 January 2018 November 2017 October 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 March 2017 February 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 November 2015 August 2015 July 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Though you sit among the coals lamenting, you must remember that_________. What does Lamentations say will not cease?

Select your answer to see how you score.

His love His presence His covenant His compassions