Judith H. Graham-Basciani

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 4 daughters with, and 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; 4 daughters: Kathy (Steve) McCullough, of Altoona, Lisa (Doug) Crawford, of Port Matilda, and Lorie and Loni Graham, of Centreville MD; 6 grandchildren: Kylee Johnson, Alyssa McCullough, Victoria Crawford, Haley Crawford, Matt Crawford and Taylor Himes; 5 great-grandchildren: Leighton, Brinlee, and Braylon Johnson, and Aria and Kailo Givens; 3 sisters: Linda (Mike) Landsberry, Billie (Kenny) Hollen, and Debbie (Dave) Burgmeier, all of Altoona; and several nieces and nephews.

Judie 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 PA 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, that she learned from her sister, Billie Hollen. Judie and husband John traveled to several tropical islands on cruises, enjoyed all-inclusive resorts, and toured 5 countries of Europe. They enjoyed parasailing, horseback riding, jet skis, ziplining, scuba diving, helmet diving, snorkeling, 4 wheeling, motorcycle riding, swimming with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and sting rays.

She fought a long hard battle with Alzheimer’s for 9 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 churches.

Friends will be received from 4pm until 8:30pm Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in the Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel 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.

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