Hey Jude,  I know it was. your Birthday yesterday.  I hope you're somewhere good, where you can have some great conversations about the craziness in the country.  I miss you!

Love Marcie

I just learned today of Judy’s passing. I swam with and coached Judy for several years and she was really all that! Bright, funny, charming and a little wicked (and I mean that in the best possible way)

 Her early departure is a shock, I send my condolences to all of her family and friends along with a smile to remember her full earnest laugh iand her shining light.

Still think about Judy often. One of the best years of my life was working on kids YouTube shows with her. We spoke several times a week, and clicked so well. I was excited to keep creating with her, and building our friendship further. I think about her often. 

This photo makes me smile remembering a truly fun woman. Ever the raconteur, Judy chatted up NBA’s Dwight Howard here at a 2013 Disney shoot. Bless her memory forever.

There are days that I think of you way more often than others, but you are in my mind almost every day! I still feel your love and energy! You are really missed! I hope you knew how much you mean to me! Your memories yet lives on! Happy birthday! Sending best wishes to heaven!!! 💕

I met Judy and Susie in 1968 when I started Elizabeth Irwin school in 11th grade.  She was a worldwind of energy hanging out with the mavericks in the class finding her way in the world.   She had a huge smile, a mischievous eye, and was fully engaged in life.  

Two big adventures with Judy stand out: our trip to visit Smith College wherein she told me it was a bore of a school and she would never be my friend if I went (I didn't) and my incredible visit to West Virginia to hang out on the farm with her.  Judy easily saw the beauty and magic in cultures far different from her own and embraced the rhythm of that life.  I loved spending time with her there.  

There have been other wonderful times with Judy in New York and with Judy, Susie, Steve and Paul in Los Angeles that pop into my mind.  Mark and I spent much time with Susie and Paul and our young families and I saw Judy only occasionally… Rollerblading with us on the beach in Venice as we rode our bicycles. I will never forget the vivacity, engagement, curiosity, and honesty which were Judy.  I miss her bright spirit and I'm sending tremendous love to Susie, Steve, Paul, Ellen, their families and friends.  Love love love to Judy - your spirit twinkles in my heart. Xoxoxo Polly

A retrospective of Judy's life as told by her family and friends. 

With thanks to all of the interviewees, as well as editor Barnaby Levy and illustrator Brenda Ho.

Please enjoy these stories and remembrances from Judy's family and friends. 

Heartbroken to lose my smart, expansive, beautiful friend.

Judy made sure to be on time,  whatever plans we had she taught me to squeeze every moment of joy out of the activity.

We were in Park City, Hal, Andy J, Jude and me (Jessica) and Judy wanted to to be on the trails for the first run of the day.  At the top of the mountain when our feet touched the ground and she stood up over her skis, I noticed her boots were on the wrong feet. I suggested we stop, so she could make the switch, but that made no sense to her. Judy was determined to have that initial, smooth ride down the slopes!

Judy comes to Barbados, late December 1980 — with Judy Meyer

Judy interviewed me in 2018. Though we never got the chance to work together, we made a wonderful connection. We only had a few meetings over the years since, but her generosity was unmatched. She went out of her way to keep me in mind for professional opportunities and recommend me to colleagues and folks in her network. The support of such a kind, accomplished, and brilliant woman meant so much to me. She was the type of leader I hope to be. I wish I could have thanked her more.

My condolences to Judy’s friends and family. May her memory be a blessing. 

Whenever we met up with Judy and Steve she was looking at her watch because we were invariably a few minutes late. It happened so often that it became a running gag.  But it encapsulated a fundamental thing about Judy which was she always wanted things to be moving along at her pace so she could do more, experience more, live more.  She had so many qualities that we loved: she was open to new things, warm, funny, had a great laugh, no patience for bullshit, and once she was your friend, she was your friend for life.  She was just a terrific human being. It's hard to imagine a world without Judy in it since her presence was so vivid, but we'll always cherish our friendship.

With love, Seth Greenland & Susan Kaiser Greenland

When I think of Judy, I think of the ultimate lover of life, adventures, and a constant source of energy. All of my interactions with her were filled with joy and I will remember that forever. She made me feel welcomed whenever I visited, and even opened her home to my girlfriend Celia without ever having met her before. I am keeping all of her loved ones in my thoughts.

With love, Philip

I am writing to offer my love and wishes to Judy's family at this time. As Philip mentioned above, Judy was so kind while I was interviewing in LA. She and Steve allowed me to stay with them for almost a week and both showed me a truly unforgettable time. Her kindness and generosity will always be remembered. 

Love. Celia

I am just now thawing from the shock of Judy’s sudden death. The sadness will stay forever. 

Judy and I met at “Good Morning, New York,” the prequel to “Live with Regis and Cindy.” I was the new PA and as green as the grass was new. Judy, the more senior PA, was experienced, seasoned and completely aghast at my amateur game. Even so, she quietly —and quickly—took me under her wing and taught me every buzzword, every  routine procedure—not because she necessarily liked me. But because the show had to go on and my clumsy help was better than nothing. She was so smart. In no time, we were laughing and chattering all the way—she had the heartiest laugh—we became great friends, double dated, ate salads at our desks and fiercely had each other’s backs. In the course of finding our way through the show biz maze and moves, we lost touch. About 4 years ago, Judy reached out to me on Linked In—just to check in and see what I was up to after so many years. (Bless her beautiful heart—she IS the glue of this community) Of course, I was delighted to hear from her. I told her I was the happiest retiree on the planet. She asked, “What do you do with your time?” I told her that I had finally reached the pinnacle of happiness as a beach bum.” “Wow,” she said. “I can’t even imagine myself sitting still. “ Judy, my beloved friend and colleague, I know wherever you are, you are pitching, prepping and executive producing masterpieces too cool, too hip and too fabulous for this world as we know it . I love you forever, doll! Rest In peace and power. To her one and only true love, Steve, and family, I send so much love and prayers of comfort. May her memory be a blessing.

Heartbroken to hear of Judy’s passing.   Hadn’t seen her for quite some time but my memories are vivid.  She was kind and generous and nurturing.   Her energy was super human.  Her laughter, constant and infectious.   So smart.  So passionate about so many things.    Reading these tributes makes me realize that I should aspire to be more like her.    RIP Judy.  You made your mark. 

Dear Judy  - Who knew jury duty in NYC would produce a life-changing friendship. I realized it was kismet when sequestered, we bonded by doing calisthenics in the hallway. A few months later you excitedly told me about this guy Steve and you were having the time of your life, a time that proved eternal. Thank you for providing me with career-changing opportunities. Thank you for bringing me to LA.  Thank you for being the conduit to a wide circle of friends and colleagues.  Thank you for baking your fabulous eggplant and delivering it after I gave birth to Sandor. Thank you for being there for me when I needed the strength and support I  did not have. Thank you for standing me back up and shoving me back down life's grueling road whether I liked it or not.   Thank you for the privilege of watching your swimming improve and the joy it brought you. Thank you for our times with our beloved friend Melissa and creating a loving triumvirate. Thank you for being an example of taking life for all it had and reveling at the moment. And thank you, though we were at odds, knowing we were always in each other's hearts.  I prayed as you were lying in the hospital surrender would come with peace and joy and that you would embrace all the journey offered on the other side. The Monday after you transitioned a surprising flock of birds swarmed, dipped, and saluted my car exuberantly on the freeway. It was you, letting me know you are happy, you are free and you are as busy as ever exploring the newfound joys of heaven.  I am happy for you dear friend, I will miss you and love you always! Susan

“To live is the rarest thing in the world.  Most people just exist” -Oscar Wilde

Judy was rare, a bright star who lived with the most vibrant passion for life.  She was always herself with an honesty that was effortless.  She was (almost) always laughing heartily (and in the times when she was not laughing, she was listening intently to her friends).

Missing your presence in the world Judy.

Judy in Mexico - Friends World College

This is really tough. Shash and I met Judy in NYC in 1979. We were flat broke, and Judy kindly threw a little work our way so we could get back home to Seattle. The rapport was instant, the friendship lasting. She brought us back to New York a few months later, where we both worked for her. So much fun. She was someone who would totally embrace you, while also telling you just how very, very wrong you were. The very collaborative working relationship reflected both Judy’s self-confidence and her openness. After work, her astonishing metabolism kept us on our toes. We’d all go out dancing til 2:00 a.m. While Shash and I would crawl into the office the next morning, Judy would spring in, refreshed from her 5:30 a.m. tennis date. Unbelievable.

With Judy and Steve’s move to LA, and ours back to Seattle, we didn’t see as much of Judy as we’d have liked to. Occasional meet-up’s for weddings and graduations, visits during a shoot, crossing paths here or there. Though we didn’t see her and Steve often, they were, are, and always will be in our thoughts. With love, Bill 

There was no one else like Judy Meyers.  She was a force of nature.  Whether exerting herself physically, mentally, or emotionally, she was always nonstop charging ahead, and challenging the rest of us to try to keep up.  At the same time she had her flexible ways: Judy was open-hearted, an alert partner in dialog (do not try to slip some BS past Judy), eagerly curious about the world, occasionally humble, always straightforward.  You could not find a better friend, or more interesting companion.  Although we are all shocked, and want Judy back immediately, she packed more, and gave more, into the life she lived than most of us will ever manage.  Judy, Steve, I treasure our memories.  All my love, Shash

We should all look so good at age 60! Judy with Steve and Bill.