It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Jody Braskamp, a longtime resident and former board member of Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club.  Jody died on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2021 with her son, Case, and his wife, Becky, at her side.

Born in Beverly, on the southside of Chicago, on March 5, 1935, Jody became an Olympic swimmer.  As a 17-year old, Jody represented the United States at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.  She was awarded a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. women's 4 x 100 meter Freestyle Relay team.  Jody also held several world records in women's freestyle and was the first woman to swim the 100-yard freestyle in just under 1 minute.

While attending the University of Illinois, she met her husband-to-be, Bernard Braskamp, on spring break in Daytona Beach.  Together they had 2 wonderful boys,

John and Case who traveled Europe with them during their IBM days.  In 1992, Jody and Bernie retired to Palm City and became active members of the Stuart Congregational Church.  Jody was a stellar model of faithfulness to her church. She served on the search committee for their current pastor, Tim Roberts, and recently headed up the prayer chain among many other duties.

Jody was the consummate volunteer---a person who did not know the word "no."

She served as the president of the Treasure Coast Friends of Hospice and could often be found in the mailroom sending out newsletters along with friends that she cajoled into helping her.  Who could say no to Jody?  When Harbour Ridge needed a Garden Club, she started one. If a charity needed help with a fundraiser, Jody would respond by working tirelessly and with grace.

When she hung up her tennis racket and golf clubs, she joined her many friends at the bridge table.  Those who were invited to dinner would never turn it down as she was a gourmet cook having belonged to the Cordon Bleu while living in Paris and Brussels. In fact, it was there that she acquired her penchant for chocolate.

Jody was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Bernard (Bernie) Braskamp and their son, John Bernard Braskamp.  She is survived by their son, Andrew Case Braskamp and his wife Rebecca of Connecticut; Gloria Braskamp, John's widow; and her two grandchildren, Ana Cristina and John Nicholas Braskamp of California.

With all her many talents, Jody remained humble to the end but was unable to hide her beautiful smile and twinkling blue eyes from all those who knew and loved her.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to:

Treasure Coast Hospice                               Stuart Congregational Church

1201 SE Indian Street                                   3110 SE Aster Lane

Stuart, FL 34997                                            Stuart, FL 34994

A private memorial will be held at a later date.  Details to follow.

Please feel free to share a remembrance or message of condolence with the family through this online guestbook.