Judith McCracken

Judith (Judy) Lefgren McCracken

Passed away June 3rd, 2015 at Torrance Memorial Hospital after a five month illness.
Judy was born on December 19, 1938 and was raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her parents were Elvin and Verna Lefgren, both deceased. Elvin had a well drilling business and Verna worked in retail fashion. Judy had one younger sister, Nancy Porter, who currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa. Judy graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs in 1956. In 1960, she graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Child Development, and over decade later earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from California State University. Judy was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and enjoyed modern dance as an extra-curricular activity.
After graduation in 1960, Judy accepted a first-grade teaching position in Long Beach, California. She married William McCracken who was an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Long Beach. They had one daughter, Megan Moncur, born in 1967. Judy and Bill divorced in 1979.
Judy also had teaching assignments in Kodiak, Alaska; San Diego, California; and Santa Monica, California. When the McCrackens moved to Palos Verdes, Judy accepted a teaching position in the Palos Verdes Unified School District (PVUSD) as a Learning Disability Group teacher. Judy taught at several PVUSD elementary schools, including Rancho Vista and Mira Catalina, and provided tutoring to children from many other schools. She was an exemplary teacher in both general and special education settings. Judy retired from teaching in 2001 after positively impacting the lives of many children.
After retirement, Judy renewed a close friendship with Loyd Kenworthy (a.k.a. "the love of her life") who is an airline captain (retired). They have had a rich and exciting life traveling worldwide and spending time with each other's families. They have also enjoyed being part of multiple organizations including several Palos Verdes Performing Arts Support Groups (Bravo, Act II, and the Chorusliners), the Palos Verdes Art Center Associates, and the Light House Investors Group. They are members of Rolling Hills United Methodist Church which has been a wonderful support for them during Judy's long illness.
Besides Nancy, Megan and Loyd, Judy is survived by her son-in-law, Joel Moncur, and her three adoring grandsons: Ethan (16), Cameron (13), and James (9). The Moncurs currently reside in Maryland. Judy is also survived by Nancy's daughters, Theresa McFarland-Porter and Tracy Gregg, and their families.
Judy will have a memorial service at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 1:00 PM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the City of Hope or a cancer research institution of your choice. Please sign guestbook dailybreeze.com/obits