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Judith "Judie" Graham-Basciani, 80, Altoona, passed away Thursday morning at the Altoona Center for Nursing Care.
She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Chester and Mary (Leamer) Means. Judie never had the joy of knowing her father Chester, as he was killed in action during WWII, shortly after she was born. In 1962, she married her first husband, John E. Graham, with whom she had four daughters. He preceded her in death in 1982. She later married John Basciani, with whom she has been with since 1983.
Judie is survived by her loving husband; four daughters: Kathy (Steve) McCullough of Altoona, Lisa (Doug) Crawford of Port Matilda and Lorie and Loni Graham of Centreville, Md.; six grandchildren: Kylee Johnson, Alyssa McCullough, Victoria Crawford, Haley Crawford, Matt Crawford and Taylor Himes; five great-grandchildren: Leighton, Brinlee and Braylon Johnson and Aria and Kailo Givens; three sisters: Linda (Mike) Landsberry, Billie (Kenny) Hollen and Debbie (Dave) Burgmeier, all of Altoona; and several nieces and nephews.
She was a 1961 graduate of Altoona High School and attended Penn State University. She was a licensed projectionist at the Altoona Drive-In Theatre and the 764 Drive-In Theatre. She co-owned Sub City of Broad Avenue and Grahams Wooden Nickel Restaurant with her first husband. After his death, she went to work for the Pennsylvania State Liquor Stores and Country Garden Market. She retired with 10 years of service from the Altoona Walmart.
Judie had an undying love for all animals. She loved to laugh and enjoy life. She loved camping and creating various arts and crafts, including oil painting, which she learned from her sister, Billie Hollen. Judie and her husband John traveled to several tropical islands on cruises, enjoyed all-inclusive resorts and toured five countries in Europe. They enjoyed parasailing, horseback riding, jet skis, zip lining, scuba diving, helmet diving, snorkeling, four wheeling, motorcycle riding and swimming with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles and sting rays.
She fought a long hard battle with Alzheimer's for nine years until it stole her precious memories from her. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh will be remembered and missed.
Our prayer is that there really is a Rainbow Bridge and Judie is sitting on it right now with her Dad and all of the many animals she cared for throughout her life.
She was a member of Saint Rose of Lima and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Churches.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Judie to the Central PA Humane Society, 1937 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona PA 16602.
Online condolences may be made at santellafuneralhome.com.