Judith Kay (Akin) Lass, age 77, from Lisbon, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on April 12, 2022, after a sudden condition due to an ongoing battle with Alzheimer's. Judy was born on May 14, 1944, to Louis Paul and Josephine Maxine Akin at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After graduating from Joliet Central High School in 1962, she went on to study nursing at the University of Iowa. She was a member of Delta Zeta.
After graduation, she worked at many different medical facilities before teaching at St. Luke's Hospital. She then ended her long career of nursing at the University of Iowa on the diabetes floor where she was also one of the heads of the nursing union.
In 1965, while studying at Iowa, she met her future husband of 55 years, Thomas R. Lass. They wed in 1966, going on to love and care for two children, Brad and Jill.
After retiring in 2004, Judy had no trouble filling her time. She was a member of the Mount Vernon Women's Club and contributed to locating names and information of the deceased at the Mount Vernon Cemetery. Along with being an avid reader and invested in her family's genealogy, she loved Iowa sports, cross stitching, antiquing, and going on cross-country road trips. She spent much of her time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and dogs.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Paul Akin and Maxine Akin; granddaughter, Angel Lass; and brother-in-law, James Brumund.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Lass, along with her siblings, Janet (Jim) Ryan, Constance Brumund, and Gregory (Jackie) Akin, and brother-in-law; Dave (Margaret) Lockwood-Lass. In addition, her children, Brad (Brittany) Lass, and Jill (Thomas) Swierczewski; grandchildren, Dillon (Jonalyn) Lass, Jamie Lass, Sydney Swierczewski, Devin Swierczewski, and Allison Lass; her great-grandchildren, Kane Lass and Layla Lass; as well as nieces and nephews, Kelly (Tim) Daly, Daniel Brumund, Taylor (Dan) Russell, and Paul Akin.
On Monday, April 18, 2022, visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, Iowa. There will be a luncheon immediately afterwards in Solon, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, UnityPoint St. Luke's Hospice, and Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation.
Please share your support and memories with Judy's family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon
I met with Judith while a Candy Striper at St Luke’s and while taking extra carricular classes in preparing myself for nursing classes. I again met her while in the hospital visiting. She was very knowlegable and a very kind woman! As I was touring the nursing schools of course she was with the group of nurses at that time too. Your wife, mother, sister and great friend touched so many lives in many ways. I’m so sorry for tour loss of a great leader, healer and teacher. My condolences to you the family. She has very muchly earned her Angles wings while she walked on earth. May she go to the great beyond on butterflies wings where she may watch over and keep us safe again.
Judy was an amazing nurse and fierce advocate for her patients and her colleagues and will always be remembered and in our hearts. Deepest sympathies.
Rest easy Aunt Judy, until we meet again, this tree is in your memory
Jill & Family- We know your Mom will always live in your heart. May her memory continue to grow strong.
Tom. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Judy was such a special and caring person, always so friendly and had such a lovely smile. I always enjoyed visiting with her. I know you and the kids will hold her in your hearts always. My sympathy to you all, Annamae Baker
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.