Judith Marie Zachar

Judith Marie Zachar

Chandler, AZ

Judith Marie Zachar of Chandler, Arizona passed away at the age of 87 on January 3, 2025.

We celebrate Judy’s life on August 2, 2025, at a TBD location in Cedar Rapids.

Judy was born on April 5, 1937, in Cedar Rapids. The eldest daughter of 4 children of Gladys Marie (Buresh) and Robert Hollis Smith. Siblings: Lee Ann (Erb) (deceased) Ruth (Claflin, KY) Rick Smith (Jim Parton, IA). Even with age gaps, Judy is remembered as a kindhearted older sister, who loved her siblings dearly. Over the years, Judy shared experiences of growing up, especially those of her Father’s practical jokes. Judy attended both Franklin and McKinley High schools and graduated in the class of 1955.

Judy met Thomas Zachar and was married on November 3, 1962, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She was a devoted mother to 6 children. Judy poured her heart into motherhood, creating a home filled with warmth, love and the irresistible aromas of her cooking with recipes that have become treasured family traditions. Her unwavering support and belief in her children never faltered. Judy and Tom retired and moved to Arizona in 2003. While missing family and friends in Iowa, she never missed the cold Iowa winters and very much embraced the warmth. She became an avid Arizona sports fan yet never missed watching the Hawkeyes.

She is survived by her 6 children: Peter in Montgomery, AL, Chris (Michelle Ajamie) in Phoenix, AZ, Amy in Gilbert, AZ, Nancy (Scott Fett) in Peosta, IA, Suzie (Andrew Hardy) in Scottsdale, AZ and Michael (Kelly Clarkson) in Colorado Springs, CO. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Jim Trcka in Iowa, 14 nieces and nephews and best friend of 75 years, Patricia Yount (Stephan) in Iowa.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Tom (2016) and many of our most favorite people in the world who helped shape our lives and our hearts: Msgr. Albert Zachar, Grandpa Joe Zachar, Joe and Marcia Zachar, Joanne Trcka, Jim Claflin, Sylvia Pecinovsky, Margeurite Meyer, Ann Trcka (Ollinger) and many other friends she made throughout her life and retirement.

There is much solace knowing she had so many loved ones to greet her as she passed. Growing up, Judy helped model for her children that family time is the best time, that there is never too much food, if there is an empty spot on the dining table, fill it and that there is ALWAYS time for a card game (and we play to WIN).

Our mom often shared stories of her grandmother, who she loved deeply, and it was her #1 passion to be same loving grandmother for her 12 grandchildren. Mom loved her kids dearly but her 12 grandchildren fiercely: Tommy, Macrina (Schuler) Danielle, Jack, Samantha, Michael, Ben, Addie, Kate, Alli, Hayden and Zoey. Mom made every child feel special and loved every minute spent together. Rarely was an invitation declined by her to be with family. She attended every holiday, birthday, sporting, musical or theatrical event she could. Our mom had many names, depending on the family she was with: Gramma Judy, Gramma M’s, The Graminator, Hey Jude, Judester, Gramma Sez or Grammy. She proudly answered to every one of them.

There are items which will without a doubt, forever conjure a memory of our Mom into our minds. Almond Roca, Benedictine, Hallmark movies, Barry Manilow, Passion cologne, Downton Abbey, Precious Moments, the Volkswagen bug, Karmel Korn, Chicken legs, potato salad, World’s Finest Chocolate, Baily’s Irish Cream, coconut cream pie, Dairy Queen malts, her love of history, beaded jewelry, disaster movies, Barbie movies, holiday candy mix, giraffes, and Christmas sweaters.

Our Mom made all holidays special, but Christmas held a truly magical place in her heart. From the cherished ornaments she carefully placed on the tree, decor throughout the home, the smells of holiday baking, to the thoughtfully chosen gifts she delighted in giving. Our Mom made every Christmas sparkle with joy and tradition for us as she watched her family gather to celebrate her favorite time of year. We simply will never again think of Christmas without very fond memories of our mom.

With her passing, we all feel so fortunate to have had her as our Mom. We are all better because of her love, and our family will never be the same without her.

Donations please to St. Vincent de Paul, Cedar Rapids.