Obituary of Judith Barry

Judith Barry, born June 1, 1931, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2015, after a long illness. Judy was one of the very few people touched by adoption by all three sides of the adoption triad. She was adopted by Maude and Edward Graham in December 1932, she gave the gift of a child in August 1948 and she became an adoptive parent in 1968 and again in 1975. An advocate for both children and animals, Judy was instrumental in establishing a recreational program in the Lafayette Park area. She served as President of the Parent Association at Chrysler Elementary School in Detroit for three years and founded the first latch-key after school program in the city. In partnership with the city of Detroit, her company, Activity Services, ran a popcorn wagon for a number of years at Hart Plaza and for various fund-raisers for the public libraries, the Michigan Humane Society and a number of Detroit Public Schools. In 1980, Judy was honored with the Humane Society Distinguished Award. Judy also did volunteer work with Young Audiences of Michigan, the 1983 Olympiad and the Central Business District Association. Judy leaves behind three children, daughters, Francie Portnoy and Natalie Greer and son, Brian Barry. She also leaves seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many friends. Cremation arrangements are being made by the Cremation Society of Michigan. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Michigan Humane Society or the ASPCA.