Judith Braun

Judith Lynn Braun (Schmitt), age 61, died and passed into the loving arms of Jesus, her Savior, on December 02, 2020. Born February 02, 1959, in Amherst, New York, to Richard and Nancy Schmitt. She was beautiful and sensitive, a loving wife and best-friend, was the kindest Mom, she always spoke the truth, was a sweet “Grammy”, an outdoors gal, cowgirl, camper/hiker, skier (snow/water). She loved to dance, play piano, sing, and joke; she was a mentor and Professor. She was friend to many. Judy planned and enjoyed adventurous trips for her family to many wild places in Utah and the west. Her place of solace for many years was Freemont Lake.
She leaves behind her husband of 38 years Michael R. Braun and sons Nathan Michael Braun (wife Gabriella, children Olivia and Mila), Justin Forest Braun (wife Liza, children Audrey and Charlotte), daughter Samantha Lynn Braun (husband Andy Fontenot), her sisters Laurie Weiss (husband Donald) and Susan Schmitt, Aunt Barb and cousins, nieces and nephews AND her best canine friend walking partners Chet and Karl. Judy was preceded in death by her Mother, confidant and best friend Nancy J. Schmitt (Ruggles), her father Richard Schmitt, and other extended family members and friends. We pray she is enjoying their company in heaven.
Judy met Michael after high school graduation in 1977. It was “True Love” when our eyes locked on each other. On the first date playing Tennis, she beat Michael in three games. Her Mother Nancy mentioned to her later she might not get another date. She did/we did. We married May 01, 1982, and we faithfully loved each other every day. Our love will remain even after her death.
Judy attended Sweet Home High School in Amherst, NY. She studied Elementary Education at S.U.N.Y at Fredonia, Buffalo State, then at West Virginia University (WVU) in 1979. She graduated 3-months early from WVU, with honors, to start a 2nd-Grade Teaching position in a six-room school house “up the Holler” outside of Wheeling, West Virginia. Judy later taught Elementary grades and Physical Education for two years in West Melbourne, FL. She later decided she wanted to teach adult students in college.
Judy/Michael moved to Utah from Florida in 1983, and started their family. Judy poured out her life, love and energy to her family and we are so grateful. Judy was a dedicated and sensitively strong mother; our Matriarch. She was a woman that loved social events with friends and family. She nurtured her children, taught them all they know and each of them retain and live with her adventurous, sensitive, strong work effort, intellect, and love and compassion for others characteristics and traits. She loved Jesus and always sought his help in her life.
In Utah, Judy worked as Director of Career Counseling at Westminster College, then in 1989 at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) as a part-time Instructor. In 2000, after earning her Masters Degree, she became Assistant Professor in the Developmental Education Department. She achieved Full Professor in 2012 and taught Career Development and College Success courses for the rest of her career at SLCC. She was on many committees and the College Faculty Senate. She loved and influenced the lives of her students with her sometimes strange, funny and non-traditional instructional techniques.
A Memorial/Celebration of Life service will be held on December 16, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8575 So. 700 E., Sandy, UT. The service will be live streamed at: http://yourstreamlive.com/events/1720773. After the service, an interment service will be held for family and close friends at the Granite Cemetery.
“”No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye; you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why””.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be left here for the family.
Service Information

Memorial Service
December 16, 2020 at 11:00 AM
8575 South 700 East, Sandy, Utah