Judith Calin McGrann

September 25, 2024

McGrann, Judith Calin On May 10th, 1942, the world became a lot more colorful. Born to June and Doug Calin, Judith Calin McGrann was raised in a proudly Scandinavian household along with her siblings Barb, Bruce, and Patsy. The Calins would put down roots in both the Iron Range (Hibbing) and South Minneapolis, where Judith attended Roosevelt High and later the University of Minnesota. Yet, Judith's true education was outside of school - discovering a love for textiles, first learning to sew at Amluxen's in downtown Minneapolis, serving as a Dayton's Teen Ambassador, and working at the handmade gallery within the Harold department store. Judith was, at her core, most enthused when surrounded by cloth. This natural inclination to follow her own path continued after meeting and marrying her husband of nearly 60 years, Bill McGrann. From sewing her own wedding dress to steadfastly refusing to stay home as her husband was dispatched to Vietnam during the war (she moved to Thailand), it was evident early on that Judith's individual interests would not be curtailed by expectation or tradition. True to form, while living in Bangkok, Judith hilariously taught home economics to local students in order to finance her exploration of southeast Asia. These adventures included memorable solo excursions (in high heels) to jungle markets throughout Cambodia and Thailand, while her husband was based in Saigon. As the couple later traversed Asia after the war, Judith found a kinship with rug makers in Turkey, whom she eventually worked with to import textiles to Minnesota as part of her first business. Once back in Minneapolis, Judith was both eager to reengage with the local textile scene and frustrated by how stodgy many design concepts remained. This proved to be the catalyst that inspired her to embrace her own intuition and redouble her dedication towards doing things her own way. From using magic markers to decorate the wallpaper in her stately Georgian colonial red brick home, to complementing her crisp white shirts with avant-garde glasses exploding in color, she forged her own whimsical style and never looked back. This intrepid style notably included establishing her eponymous store, a steadily expanding retail enterprise that was not only financially successful, but most importantly supported independent artists and beloved customers alike for 35 years. Highlights include building a tight-knit community of friends new and old, as well as being able to partner with her daughter, Meghan, as they managed the business together for 25 years, before selling it in 2017. Underscoring this legacy was her wider desire to make the world a brighter place. Judith was not interested in thinking outside the box and coloring outside the lines for its own sake, but instead, because of her belief that such approaches could help make people happier - empowering them to stand tall and go out and do good in the world. This was not mere lip service, as Judith was quick to explain every time she touched a textile, card, or gift she would embed a good thought and positive energy, no matter how or where it was shared. It was such earnestness that led to truly unique connections with friends and family alike. From lunches with close friends, to travels to Key West and the North Shore with family, no one ever doubted Judith's sincerity in wishing goodness to those around her. On September 25th, 2024 Judith passed away as she lived - on her own terms. With her health in decline over recent months, Judith chose to finish life at home, surrounded by her adoring family. This special time was shared by her surviving children Chris (Sharon), Meghan (Chris Lawrence), and Patrick (Ava); as well as her five amazing grandchildren Mollie, Abbie, and Kate McGrann; Sullivan and Murphy Lawrence; and her nephew Bill Erickson and niece Jennifer Moore. And as she would so often say, "Do you know how proud I am of you?," we return the sentiment to our beloved "Gigi." Her family plans to celebrate Judith's life and legacy in a private manner over the months ahead. But never one to wait, Judith was surely already welcomed onto her next adventure by loving husband Bill, sister Patsy, and many friends who undoubtedly greeted her with warm hugs and a crisp gin and tonic. For all who are similarly inspired, Judith would certainly appreciate anyone raising a glass in her honor - preferably one made by a local artist - and generally doing whatever we can to keep adding more color and love to the world.