Obituary of Jerry Grady

Jerry Van Dusen Grady, 91, passed peacefully on Easter Sunday April 9, 2023, at Fairwinds Desert Point, Oro Valley, Arizona.

Jerry was born May 21, 1931, in Texarkana, Texas, to Charles R. and Margaret R. (Mowat) Van Dusen. As the daughter of a career Army dad, she moved frequently living in Dallas, San Antonio, Brownwood, and Temple, Texas; Stark, Florida; Ft. Jackson, SC; and Ft. Lewis (Olympia), WA. She and her mother then joined Charles in Japan where she graduated from Osaka American High School. While in Japan she met her future husband, Lt. John H. Grady, recently graduated from West Point, and they began a courtship that culminated in their marriage on February 3, 1950, at Fort Meyer, Virginia.

Jerry and Jack had five children: Patricia Horak (Henry Woltman, d.), Margaret (Dennis Murphy), John H. Jr. (Connie), Charles (Linda) and Timothy.

While raising a family Jerry enjoyed planning parties and events, ladies bowling leagues, Bridge games, PTA positions, and participating in community theater. She had a beautiful voice and loved to act. Memories of her as Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific” are particularly poignant. Jerry was also a fixture at her children’s sports and other events.

When Jack retired, they settled in Tucson. They traveled the world, enjoying each trip but always glad to return home to Arizona. They became involved in the service organization La Sertoma and gave generously of their time to help those truly in need. Jerry also treasured her Friday morning Ladies Crafts Group that was formed in the 1970s.

Jerry is predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, and her brother Charles and his wife Patti.

In addition to her children, Jerry is survived by sixteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her longtime companion, Scott Bauman.

Special thanks to Karen and Gary Foster, her friends and companions/caretakers for the last 20 years. Thanks also to the staff at Fairwinds Desert Point and to Casa de la Luz Hospice.

Funeral service 10:00am Monday, May 1, Adair-Avalon, 8090 N. Northern Ave., Tucson 85704. Interment 12:00 noon Tuesday, May 2, Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial, 1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista 85635.

Memorials preferred to Casa de la Luz Hospice, 7740 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson 85704, or Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 635 W. Roger Rd., Tucson 85705.

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