Judy Abraham

As family and friends will certainly agree, Judith Abraham was a warm and loving presence in the lives of all who were blessed to know her. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and she faced every challenge that came her way with a fierce spirit of determination. Nothing brought Judy more joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. She often said her greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother. Her generous heart pushed her to go above and beyond to serve others, and she touched so many lives in beautiful ways.

Born on November 4 of 1949, and raised in East Lansing, Michigan, Judy was the third of six children in her family born to Barbara and William Plesscher. Judy’s childhood shaped her into the remarkable woman she would one day become. She was a typical girl of her generation and was raised in the family home in Okemos. Judy was quite the tomboy growing up, and she could always hold her own wrestling with her brothers. She adored nature, hiking, and traveling – most of all with her family. After graduating from East Lansing High School, Judy embarked on a great adventure and went to work on a dude ranch at Flathead Lake in Montana. The ranch became a favorite location to visit for many years to come.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Judy as she met the young man who would soon become her husband. His name was Thomas Abraham, and the two first met while Judy was attending Michigan State University for her undergrad. One of Tom’s friends was throwing a party, and Judy went with a group of friends. Tom was immediately drawn to Judy’s vivacious, larger-than-life personality, and he had the courage to introduce himself. There was an instant connection between them. The rest was history, and Judy and Tom would go on to spend 52 wonderful years devoted to each other.

To Judy, her career was so much more than just a job. She worked hard to earn her master’s degree in special education from Michigan State University. Tom’s pursuit of medical school brought them to Ann Arbor, where Judy accepted her first teaching position. After seven years and a move back to Kalamazoo, Judy began teaching sixth grade at West Middle School in Portage where she spent the majority of her career. She took a genuine interest in everyone who stepped foot into her classroom, and she felt especially called to helping the more troubled students. Judy was her students’ biggest supporter, and she went above and beyond to encourage them and care for them. She left her indelible mark on countless students. Known for her kindness, patience and firmness, as well as her unwavering commitment to the growth and well-being of her students, many of her former students remember her nurturing spirit and the impact she had on their lives, with some keeping in touch with her all these years.

Judy was overjoyed to become a mother to her two beloved children, Jennifer and Jeff. Judy thrived in her role as a mother, and she taught her kids to be compassionate and kind. She also instilled in them her love for the great outdoors. Judy was a fun mother, often taking Jennifer and Jeff skiing or playing with them in the yard. She was very involved in their lives and even helped Jenifer break up with her 6th grade boyfriend.

Later in life, Judy was thrilled to become a grandmother. As soon as her first grandchild was born, she retired and left teaching behind, happily turning all of her focus to being a full-time grandmother. Judy adored her grandchildren, and they loved her just as much. She always had snacks on hand, and she was ready for everything from tea parties to performing plays or fun dances. Judy doted on her grandkids whenever she could. She also built many lasting friendships over the years and loved getting together with her friends to go to lunch.

Never one to sit still for long, Judy had many hobbies to keep her busy in her free time. She was an avid Spartan fan and had season tickets to their football games. Traveling was one of Judy’s greatest passions, and she enjoyed bringing her family to Beaver Creek and the Great Tetons. They once enjoyed a lunch and a hike with llamas! Judy was also able to travel around the world playing golf. Bandon Dunes, Angels Crossing, and Arcadia Bluffs were among her favorite places to golf, more for the joy of being in nature rather the game itself. Judy enjoyed knitting and made blankets for all of her grandchildren. She liked playing tennis, and she organized a family basketball pool every year with its own trophy that was passed around to the winner. Her name happened to be on the trophy more than any other! Judy loved Farmers Alley Theatre and all Broadway shows. She tried to capture every moment in photos. Judy was a very spiritual woman, and she found great comfort in the Apache Blessing. She was always happiest when spending time with those she loved more than anything in the world. She embraced the beauty in everyday life and treasured the many deep friendships she cultivated over the years.

When reflecting on the rich and overflowing life of Judith Abraham, it is easy to see both her unwavering perseverance and her unconditional love for her family. She never took a single moment for granted. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Judy was the heartbeat of her family and her home. Her willingness to serve others allowed her to impact the lives of everyone around her for the better, and she truly made the world a better place. Though she will be greatly missed, Judy leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Judith Abraham of Kalamazoo, age 75, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 after a long and valiant struggle with ALS. Through it all, she never lost her love of life and love of others. Her signature smile continued to light every room she entered, even to the end. She will be remembered for her compassion, her laughter, her dedication to others, and the joy she brought into the lives of everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her 101-year-old mother, Barbara Plesscher; her husband, Tom; her children: Jeff (Tuyet) Abraham and Jennifer (Andrew) Riker; her grandchildren: Emma, Abigail, Leah, and Sam; her siblings: Jim (Debbie), Bob (Katie), and Patty; and many dear friends and former students who felt her impact deeply. She was preceded in death by her sister Susie Chandler in 2019, her brother Billy Plesscher in 2015, and her father William Plesscher in 2006.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Twydell and the ALS Clinic in Grand Rapids, as well as to her devoted caregivers Dana Albertson and KC Vos, and the compassionate team at Centrica Care Navigators. Their care, kindness, and support made all the difference during Judy’s final years.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 3, from 3 PM – 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service will begin at 4 PM with a reception to follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Celebrate Judy’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated web page at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, it was Judy's wish that memorial donations be made to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation or The Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo - Faculty Endowment.

“May the sun bring you new energy by day,

May the moon softly restore you by night,

May the rain wash away your worries,

May the breeze blow new strength into your being,

May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.”

— Apache Blessing