Judith A (Kimball) Kolbert, a resident of Eastham, MA and formerly of Hampstead, NH, passed away peacefully on January 28th at Salemhaven in Salem, NH. She was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Richard A Kolbert in 2000, and by her sister Kathy (Kimball) McCannon in Dec 2024.

Judy was born Oct 14, 1940 in Springfield, Ma to Leslie and Harriet (Roper) Kimball. She was an energetic child who loved to laugh and talk and this continued throughout her life, especially the energy and talking. Her family moved eventually to Edison, NJ when she was 10, where she met the Twins – Karen and Lura – and they remained great friends for the next 74 years. Edison attended Metuchen, NJ high school and this is where the skinny sophomore met the football star, and love of her life, Richard. They were married in 1960 and began a journey to 8 cities in 12 years as our Dad began his career. Along the way, first son Matthew was born in 1964 and second son Austin in 1966, both in Cincinnati, OH. This part of the journey made a final stop in Hampstead, NH in 1972 when they decided to toss out the anchor.

At each stop, Judy always made quick friends and clearly demonstrated one of her super powers – keeping in touch with good people and shrinking the distance – letters, phone calls, postcards, she always took the time. After arriving in Hampstead, she jumped into action to get her kids involved in school, sports and the community. She also connected with the Hampstead Young Mothers Club, eventually becoming President, and developing many long-term friendships with more wonderful people.

Judy worked at the Plaistow Post Office for 25 years becoming the eyes and ears around town before retiring in 2001. After retirement, she moved down to Eastham, MA near the Bay and settled into being a wonderful Oma to 5 grandchildren. There was always time to start the day with Oma’s crepe pancakes, explore the beach flats for crabs and end the day with ice cream sundaes. She also became involved with a whole new set of friends while still keeping all of her current ones. Working at the non-profit Antique Exchange brought out her leadership and newly found sales skills to help raise $20K+ yearly for student scholarships.

Judy will be dearly missed by her sons: Matt, wife Pam, grandsons Keegan & Devon of Beverly, MA and Austin, wife Susan, granddaughters Alyssa, Jillian & Brynne of Salem, NH. She also leaves 5 nieces – Patricia, Lynn and Joanne Castelli and Jennifer and Michelle McCannon, 2 cousins, Ann and Susan Jane Noble, and a sister-in-law, Barbara (Kolbert) Castelli.

We would like to make a special mention to our cousin Patricia Castelli for the unicorn accommodations she created for Judy at her house in Virginia the past year. And to her long-time friend Marie Stevenson with whom she traveled extensively around the country and world after both had been tragically widowed. So many great journeys and wonderful stories, not by happenstance – but by simply reaching out and starting a conversation with another person, who then become lifelong friends.

The Family will be having private services and Celebrations of life for Judy in May.   More details to follow.

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