She lived in the Florida Keys for some time, and loved the beach and ocean deeply. Many of her loved ones cherish memories and photos of her holding sincerely impressive fish, with curls of sun-lightened hair blown across her face and a smile that showed a genuine adoration for the sea. She was funny, creative, and loved animals. Children felt like they were the most important person in the world when she spent time with them. 

Judy once had a parrot she loved dearly, and perhaps it is still alive somewhere out there. She didn’t buy cheap jewelry, and everything she had was “the real deal”. She became reclusive in her later years, but that didn’t stop her from showing genuine care for the people around her when she lived in a group home. When her family could not reach her, we were told she still took the time to check on the people around her and make them laugh, even when she was suffering. 

Judy was one of a kind. There is no easy way to say goodbye to her. We find her on our minds often, a piece of island landscapes, a mystery and a delight in her own strange way. For her, words of grieving are long overdue. She is part of everything we do, and being her namesake gives me the responsibility of keeping her name alive. We love you, Judy, and we wish we could have known you better. Without realizing it, you have taught us many lessons about this life. May you rest peacefully. We picture you enjoying the ocean eternally, with no more worries or pain.