Jody Ann Altman, 72, of Delmar Gardens in Overland Park, Kansas, peacefully left this earth on Dec. 22 with her loving family by her side.
She was born on Jan. 15, 1951, in Shaker Heights in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jody was a caring and loving daughter, sister and aunt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Doris Monett Altman, both of Leawood, Kansas; and is survived by brothers Michael (Elaine) Altman of Kansas and David (Laura) Altman of Nebraska; uncle Peter Monett of Ohio; and nephews Dakota Sehl and Logan Monett Altman of Nebraska.
In the spring of 1969, Jody graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School, where she had been active in the music and theater departments. This lovely dark haired, brown-eyed young woman sparkled on stage in “West Side Story,” “Hair” and “Our Town.” She performed in summer stock for two seasons at New England’s High Tor Summer Repertory Company near Boston, Massachusetts. Her performances on stage were received as being vivacious, riveting and flawless.
Jody had a fabulous voice (similar to Barbra Streisand’s). In the 1980s, she was lead singer for several traveling groups: Jamil (a funk and blues band), Flourish and American Sound, to name a few. Her second home was in Seattle, Washington, where she lived and performed.
When Jody returned to Kansas City, she worked for several fine-dining restaurants and retired from the Plaza’s Grand Street Café after 14 years. While there, in 1992, she was given the “Veteran Waitress Award.” She was attentive and knowledgeable and knew her clientele well, always treating them with utmost care and respect. Many clients would have no one but Jody serve them.
Jody was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990 and became an active supporter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. As her disease progressed, she was aided by her brother, David Altman, in providing equipment and knowledge to make her life easier. Her special dog-friends also gave her much comfort. She spent the last years of her life as a resident of Delmar Gardens, where she found good friends and care.
In lieu of a celebration of life or a funeral, Jody’s wish was to have her ashes scattered on one of her favorite places, Mount Rainier, in Washington. Her family will honor and carry out her wishes.
If you would like to leave a farewell message for Jody, you may go to the Mt. Moriah Funeral Home website. Any other tributes should be made to the MS Society. The family thanks Delmar Gardens and Good Shepherd Hospice for their loving care.
May her memory be for a blessing.