Judith Granger Opfer, aged 86, passed away peacefully at her home in Palo Alto, California, attended by her husband, James, on Monday, March 10, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and community volunteer, she is remembered for her kindness, independent spirit, and wry humor.
Judith Jane Granger was born on February 2, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, the only child of Archibald and Helen (Wilkinson) Granger. She attended Brentwood High School, where she served in student government, played percussion in the marching band, and was a member of the Varsity girls' basketball team.
Judy was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, which she pledged in 1957 at Southern Methodist University. In 1964 Judy received her M.A. degree in English from Washington University in St. Louis, where she also completed her B.A. degree. She taught English for two years in Webster Groves, Missouri and sixteen years in the San Jose Unified School District in California. She also was a successful life insurance salesperson and Certified Life Underwriter.
Judy married James Edward Opfer on August 1, 1964, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. They moved to Palo Alto, California in 1966, where they raised their son John, born in 1973. Judy was a dedicated member of the Menlo Park Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary and a champion of the preservation and renovation of the Guild, which benefits the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University. For more than 50 years she was a member of what is now known as Menlo Church, where she served as a deacon.
Judy enjoyed active pursuits, including cycling, skiing, and traveling, and was an avid reader, pianist, and correspondent. Together she and Jim traveled the world, often with John and his family, including trips across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. She collected early American antiques and enjoyed spending time with Jim's family in southern Illinois, where she authentically furnished a small farmhouse and summer kitchen. She adored her two granddaughters and loved taking them shopping, hiking, and out for ice cream.
Judy is survived by her husband of 60 years, James; her son, John (Jessica) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and granddaughters Katja and Elsa.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 29th, 2025 at Jacob Finger Methodist Church in Mitchell, Indiana followed by interment at the Mitchell City Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be directed to Menlo Church or Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
Judith Jane Granger was born on February 2, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, the only child of Archibald and Helen (Wilkinson) Granger. She attended Brentwood High School, where she served in student government, played percussion in the marching band, and was a member of the Varsity girls' basketball team.
Judy was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, which she pledged in 1957 at Southern Methodist University. In 1964 Judy received her M.A. degree in English from Washington University in St. Louis, where she also completed her B.A. degree. She taught English for two years in Webster Groves, Missouri and sixteen years in the San Jose Unified School District in California. She also was a successful life insurance salesperson and Certified Life Underwriter.
Judy married James Edward Opfer on August 1, 1964, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. They moved to Palo Alto, California in 1966, where they raised their son John, born in 1973. Judy was a dedicated member of the Menlo Park Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary and a champion of the preservation and renovation of the Guild, which benefits the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University. For more than 50 years she was a member of what is now known as Menlo Church, where she served as a deacon.
Judy enjoyed active pursuits, including cycling, skiing, and traveling, and was an avid reader, pianist, and correspondent. Together she and Jim traveled the world, often with John and his family, including trips across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. She collected early American antiques and enjoyed spending time with Jim's family in southern Illinois, where she authentically furnished a small farmhouse and summer kitchen. She adored her two granddaughters and loved taking them shopping, hiking, and out for ice cream.
Judy is survived by her husband of 60 years, James; her son, John (Jessica) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and granddaughters Katja and Elsa.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 29th, 2025 at Jacob Finger Methodist Church in Mitchell, Indiana followed by interment at the Mitchell City Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be directed to Menlo Church or Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
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