Judith Bieze, 75

Born on April 8, 1948, Judith (Judy) Marie (Foss) Bieze grew up in the Chicago area and received her bachelor of science degree from Illinois State University. After marrying Raymond Bieze Jr. in December of 1969, they moved from station to station as Ray fulfilled his Naval service. She moved with Ray to locations including Scotland, U.S.-based naval training facilities, and Guam, being a classroom teacher in each location. Judy worked in elementary education throughout this time frame until the birth of their first child (Rebecca) in Guam in 1974. Once discharged from the service, they returned to Illinois and continued to raise their family, which grew in 1979 to include sons Raymond and Robert. After moving to Arizona briefly, the family settled in May of 1980 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Judy remained at home with her children until her sons entered kindergarten. She returned to the classroom and her unceasing service to the Coeur d’Alene School District began. Teaching in primary grades for the majority of her career, Judy was a firm believer in providing a solid and firm foundation for all children who passed through her care, particularly in the area of math. Judy was selected as SD271 Teacher of the Year and then as Idaho Teacher of the Year in 1999. That same year, she was inducted into the Illinois State Univ Dept of Education’s Hall of Fame. She enhanced her own education at the University of Idaho, earning her Master of Education at the age of 50. Additionally, she became Nationally Board Certified as an Early Childhood Generalist in 2002. Judy’s love of math education grew and culminated in the 2002 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She believed that learning was experiential and that all children have the capacity to understand (and love) math. Once Judy left the classroom at the age of 65, she became part of the Idaho Building Capacity Project, mentoring administrators and educators through school leadership teams with a focus on classroom instruction. While she stepped away from officially mentoring in 2023, Judy continued to answer emails and phone calls from new and experienced teachers until her death March 20, 2024. 

Health challenges wove throughout the fabric of Judy’s life, including two separate breast cancer processes, as well as leukemia and congestive heart failure in the spring of 2023. Throughout these time frames, Judy never stopped investing in her family and education. During her first cancer diagnosis, she hand-made her daughter’s wedding dress and was present for every senior year event for her sons, all while not missing one day of work. During her second cancer diagnosis, she continued to work and take part in her children's and grandchildren’s activities. After each diagnosis, Judy never gave up and never harbored ill will over her health challenges. This spirit of determination continued until her soul was called home as she peacefully slept. 

Judy was an avid quilter throughout her lifetime, producing many pieces for family and friends. In the past year, she had completed many lap quilts and delivered them to the Walden House at Kootenai Medical Center, a facility housing families and children facing health crises. Other hobbies included reading, knitting, playing softball and attending every event that involved her children. 

Survivors include her husband, Ray, daughter Becky Dobler (Neil) and sons Raymond (Nicole) and Robert (Serena). Ray and Judy enjoy seven grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Allison, Evelyn, Owen, Ethan, Kaydence and Ellodie. She is also survived by her brother, David Foss (Sharon). 

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations are requested for the Walden House in her memory. The link to donate online is https://www.kootenaihealthfoundation.org/donate-online/. Select "Walden House / Hospitality Center" from the designation option on the online form. There is also a space to mark the gift in memory of Judy if you so choose.