Judith Ann (Strahl) Grady passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Norman, Oklahoma from Alzheimer’s disease. She was born to the union of Richard and Hillary Strahl on March 29,1942 in Chicago, Illinois. Judy was the oldest child, and only daughter, so when 3 younger brothers came along, she was, as she said, a “built in babysitter”. She prided herself on being a “tomboy”. She loved baseball, fishing and other sports as much as brothers Dick, Roger and Tom!

Judy was a 1960 graduate of Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois. From there she attended Blackburn College for 1 year but decided to return home and begin work as an administrative assistant. In early 1962 her Episcopalian priest, who also happened to be a chaplain at Illinois Institute of Technology, arranged for her to see a concert on campus with an engineering student, George W. Grady. One can assume the blind date went very well, as they were married by the same priest on December 1, 1962.

Judy and George lived in St. Louis, Missouri for 5 years. During that time, they welcomed Brian and daughter Patty. In the late 60’s the young family moved up to the Chicagoland area, settling in the western suburb of Wheaton, Illinois. Judy was a devoted and loving at-home mother but also offered her kindness and love of music to the DuPage Convalescent Center (now DuPage Care Center) first as a volunteer for their music therapy programs and later as an evening “snack cart” volunteer. Eventually she also found employment there (in addition to volunteering) as a part-time mid-day aide and lunch helper. When the kids were old enough, she became a full-time administrative assistant for the School Association of Special Education in DuPage, and then with the DuPage Housing Authority. Judy had so much love and kindness to offer EVERYONE (no exceptions) that she made sure that her work and volunteer efforts reflected this ethos.

Judy and George retired to Cuba, Missouri in July of 1995 and wintered in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Judy quickly found more volunteer opportunities, as a volunteer at a hospital and nursing home, as well as a fully certified ombudsman for a long-term care facility. While she loved these pursuits, her heart first and foremost belonged to her family. She travelled north to see Patty and her family, and south to see Brian and his family multiple times a year. She relished seeing her grandchildren blossom. She was always ready to go see a baseball game, soccer game, graduation or musical performance that they were in. She was their #1 fan, always. She loved treating the whole family(s) to a day at Great America or Six Flags.

Judy was also a huge animal lover! Brian and Patty were raised with parakeets and guinea pigs, and then when they had grown up and had their own homes, she spoiled her grand-dogs and grand-kitties. They instinctively KNEW that Grandma was the person they could count on for pets, treats and slices of apple. She always marveled that the pets remembered her between visits, but what she didn’t realize is how her sweet spirit was unforgettable to animals and humans alike. Judy was simply the kindest, most generous person we have ever had the pleasure of knowing and loving.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Grady; and her parents, Richard LStrahl and Hillary (Brim) Strahl. Those who are left to treasure her memory and honor her legacy are her children, Dr. Brian (Gina) Grady of Norman, Oklahoma and Patty (Andrew Bender) Grady of Wood Dale Illinois, ten grandchildren Ian (CJ), Nate, and Luke Grady, Maclyn, Forest, Owen and Boomer Myers; Chris (Kassy) Malone, and Quinn and Lilian Rafferty; four great grandchildren Mason, Maddox, Makenna and Monroe Malone; three brothers Dick (Cheri) Strahl, Roger (Carole) Strahl, and Tom (Cindy) Strahl, as well as many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and friends.

In keeping with her wishes, Judy will be cremated. A memorial service honoring her life will be held in Norman, Oklahoma. The date, time and place will be announced. 

To honor her giving spirit, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or your local PBS station.

The Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory of Cuba, Missouri is honored to be serving the family of Judith A. Grady.