Judith Graham
July 3, 1948 ~ November 25, 2018
Judith Kern (Martin) Graham, 70, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, November 25, 2018. Memorial Service 12 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2018 at Echo Hill Presbyterian Church. Visitation: 4-6 p.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the church. Judy's family requests that casual clothes be worn. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
She is survived by her daughters, Jenny (Marcus) Hayes, of Marion, and Kimberly (Timothy) Kennedy, of Rapid City, South Dakota; grandchildren, Cian, Lochlann 'Lucky,' and Adelaide Hayes, and Norah, and Fiona 'Fifi' Kennedy; former spouse, John Graham; cousins, Monica Lewis, and George (Thiry) Kern; and many friends.
Born July 3, 1948 in Des Moines, Judy was adopted by Myles and Helen (Kern) Martin. She graduated from Washington High School in 1966. She went on to receive her teaching credentials from the Iowa State Teachers' College (UNI). She married John Graham in 1973, they later divorced.
Judy was a very active Physical Education teacher in Edgewood, Iowa, Paraprofessional at Prairie Schools, and Aquatics Director at a couple of YMCA's. She took the additional training needed to become the first female Safety Officer at Eastern Iowa Airport. Judy was the past Head Coach for Coe College Volleyball, and coached her Club Volleyball team for many years 'Flipper' as she was called, still spent summers giving swimming lessons.
A member of the Chrome Divas, Judy enjoyed riding her motorcycle. She was also a founding member of Echo Hill Presbyterian and where she served as an elder and choir member. She loved her family, teaching, and helping others with support and love.
She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Evelyn Hayes; and pet family, Boomer and Maggie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Judy's honor may be directed to Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, Prairie School Foundation, or the Cedar Valley Humane Society.
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I offer my sincere condolences to the family. I went to school with Judy and she was such a kind person. Judy was always someone that made other people feel comfortable. After graduating from high school I did not see Judy until we ended up going to Central Park Presbyterian church. At that time our children were small. It was a pleasure to reconnect with her. I am very sorry to learn of your loss. Joan Edwards Lehner
There are no words to express my Sympathy for Judy’s Family and close friends. We spent many years at family camp at Camp Wyoming with Judy. She was a such a nice person, caring and fun. When I think of Judy I would describe her as “living life to its fullest”. So many great hours of sitting around the campfire and visiting with her.
Pictures: “Judy and Khory” .Wish the pic had come out better, but its still one of my favorites
“Fun at Camp Wyoming”.
Carla, Bill, Jessica and Cody Behrens
I worked for several years with Judy at Prairie Edge. I always enjoyed her as she was positive and full of energy. She is a shining star that will be missed by the students at Prairie. Lisa Smith
Judy you were first a friend, second a beloved coworker! I was blessed to call you both. You taught me to keep my chin up work hard and be adventurous! You treated my children as your own and we are blessed to have shared years of memories! You shared your love of water whether it be swimming, boating, or fishing! You took on challenges and continuously conquered your goals! Your family and grandchildren are dear to our hearts! They were the light in your eyes! Heaven got a great one! I hope your climbing mountains, surfing the clouds and riding your motorcycle on the wind! Your memories will always be a part of my heart! RIP you will be missed but always remembered!
Judy you have been a friend for a long time. Our daughter babysat your 2 girls when they were small. Charlie enjoyed playing volleyball with you too. We knew John too. You lived a very blessed life and God will take care of your family. Charlie and Mary Burns
There aren’t enough words to describe Judy but I will definitely try my very best. Judy was the kind of person to always tell it like it was. She was like that because she cared so much about each person she came across in life. She was always so active and always on the move. I worked with Judy at the beginning of my career as a paraprofessional at Prairie. We worked together at the high school for six and a half years and I then moved on to Prairie Edge where I am currently still working at today. Soon Judy must have missed me (LOL) because she ended up following to Edge shortly thereafter. She later retired from Prairie Edge but returned several times back to the high school and Edge as a substitute para. Judy was such an admirable person. She and I both had extreme love for our pets (dogs). She lit up every time she talked about them. She was SO proud of her daughters and loved to share stories about her grandchildren. I will miss you dearly My Friend. You are gone too soon. RIP Judy. From your friend, Amy L. Becicka
I have such sweet memories of Judy. Her daughter, Jenny and I were close friends in middle school and played softball together through high school. She was a constant support for her girls, and her love for them she wore on her sleeve. Rest In Peace, Judy.
I remember Judy fondly when my children were involved in the CR Y swimming teams. That was so long ago. Rest in peace Judy. Nancy Mahrer
Judy joined the Ed-Co faculty, and fit in well, and though a beginning teacher, quickly made a positive impression. I recall her as energetic and enthusiastic about teaching PE. The group of young Ed-Co teachers at the time got to know each other and shared some good times in many social settings. I am very sorry to hear that she has passed on. Sincere sympathies to her family.
What a beautiful sprit the world has lost, but the universe has gained. People move in and out of our lives and from time to time you run into them—and rather not. And sometimes you are instantly lifted at the site. Judy was certainly the latter. i will miss those chance encounters!
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in God’s promise of a resurrection & in the many wonderful memory’s you made & shared together. You have my condolences. Acts 24:15
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. We hope that comfort and peace come to you. We know that she will truly be missed. She had a very positive impact on the community especially the swimming community and on her family.
May God bless all of you.
Jim and Carol Voss
What a beautiful lady, gone too soon. I loved playing softball with Judy. She was such a fun person to have on the team. She will be missed.
Sue Sailors.
Jenny and family, This is so devastating for your family. She had such a good hearted presence. I requested her as a sub because she could handle my kiddos with her easy going attitude. They loved her! Please know I ‘m thinking of you all. I know she spent a lot of time with her grandchildren. They will dearly miss her. My deepest sympathies. Lorna Britcher Prairie Ridge
I have very fond memories of Judy and her bigheartedness. A super awesome teacher who was patient with me when I started the game of volleyball at the Ellis Y back in the late 70’s. Over the years, we would see each other at various athletic events and she would always bring joy and an encouraging word! She will be missed!
My very deepest Sympathy to the family of a very Dear Judy Graham! I worked with Judy for many, many years at the Metro YMCA. I can’t begin to apply all of the adjectives to describe her but I will always remember her as a kind, sensitive, professional woman who took great pride in her girls & grandchildren. She was always dedicated to her work, her friends and her many different endeavors. RIP Judy-You will be truly missed but always a beautiful star in God’s magnificent creation! Sincerely, Jan McGinn
Jenny and Kimberly:
We are Ralph and Phyllis Martin of California. We are so sorry to learn of Judy’s passing. Ralph is Judy’s first cousin. Their Dads were brothers Ralph Sr. and Miles. We moved to California long ago, but knew Judy prior to that. We send our sincere condolences to you and your families.
Ralph and Phyllis Martin
3293 Crownview Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
90275