Several years ago, during one of my many illnesses, I returned home from the doctor on new medications that made me very sick and too weak to care for myself.  Dale was in Mexico for a week and I became extremely ill.  Judy came to stay with me, nursed me and kept me company so that I would not have to be alone.  We were very close and we had a very good time sharing stories and just talking.  I will always be grateful for that week.  She was a good care giver, and was later to be a good caregiver to many people in Mesa. 

Judy came to visit us and we spent the day visiting Los Angeles and Farmer’s Market.  We had coffee and French beignets in the market place and just sat and talked for hours.  She was happy just to visit and she was such warm and loving company.  She had many friends that she talked about and she was always eager to hear our crazy stories.  That day after we got home I heard a yelp from outside the house.  She had gotten on the motorcycle for a ride around the block with Dale, and when they tried to get off of it, they fell over and she let out a yell.  She was laughing and having a great time.  She thought she would try any opportunity that came her way and she was always willing to experience anything new.  She was a fun gal!!!

Judy liked camping.  She came to Quartzite to camp with us in the Bluebird.  We had bicycles with us and when she saw them she vowed she would get a 3 wheeler and ride with us the next year. 

She would get ideas on the spur of the moment and approach them with such enthusiasm.  We relaxed with her in the motorhome and drank Caipirinha’s (a Brazilian Drink) and told South American stories until the wee hours of the morning.  She was full of questions, laughter, and listened intently.  We agreed to meet again for camping again this year, but when the time came she was unable to come.   

One afternoon a couple of years ago, I had tickets to Menopause Madness, a comedy matinee, and Dale was unable to attend.  I called Judy at the last minute and she was literally thrilled with the invitation and came.  We both enjoyed the matinee and then we went to dinner at Spaghetti Factory.   It was just us girls, and gave us some nice girly alone time as sisters.  Very fun day for both of us and we reminisced about it years later. We got souvenir pins that say Menopause Madness and I will always have mine in its’ spot in my jewelry box.

It is an unfortunate fact that I have a long history of illness and hospitalizations, most of which, and whenever possible, I received and enjoyed Judy’s warmth and support as she visited and encouraged me without judgment or disdain.  One particular visit, among many, stands out in my memory.   Judy appeared with a gift of a chartreuse T-shirt, about 50 eye shadows, some mascara, some blush and some liquid make-up and gave me a make-up lesson in the hospital.  Then she did my nails.  She gave all of the things to me as a gift, as well as her time and her thoughtful gesture.  For someone in my situation it was certainly uplifting and inspiring.  She was just like that.  She visited me many times in the hospital and was always supportive. 

When Wendy, our only child was born, Judy came to see the baby, and brought a camera to take photographs.  She made about 30 beautiful, intimate photographs of our 3 day old baby girl and bound them in a hand made cloth binder and presented it to me.  It is absolutely priceless...These are the kinds of things that Judy would think of to do for people.  She could be so warm and thoughtful, and loving in ways that that really do last forever.  

Judy had many tastes and interests in her life that made her unique and special.  She liked fine dining and eating out and everything very formal, as well as things very simple and casual such as barbeques, picnics and camping. She loved chocolate. She befriended children, and the elderly. She loved her cats, Raja and Miracle, and attended to other people’s pets regularly.   She always wanted to be helpful and always lent a helping hand and always had advice to give freely.  She was a shopaholic, and she loved clothing, antiques and especially jewelry.  She was very generous.  She was strong in her faith in the Lord.  She loved Gospel music and attended church faithfully.   She enjoyed travel.  She was in the Army Reserves and she had a real estate career.  

My sister gave emotionally to me all her life.  I benefited greatly from her love and will suffer deeply with her loss.  In recent years we have lived in separate states and our time together has been less frequent, however, we’ve kept in touch via telephone. 

I will miss the sound of her voice, but think of her often, say a little prayer for her and know that in her own way she still loves all of us from her place with God. 

Judy and Sandy at their Mothers 60th birthday.

Judy and her Mesa friend, Margaret.....

The following pictures are from the services and family gatherings which followed the services.

Judy and Ardy....

Picture submitted by Kathy Willey

Picture submitted by Kathy Willey

Judy and a cat....

Is this when her love of cats began?

Picture submitted by Kathy Willey

This picture reminds me of how Judy still tried to support her younger sister when recently ill.....

Picture submitted by Kathy Willey

Judy, Sandy and Kathy in Baldwin Park.....

Picture submitted by Kathy Willey

Picture submitted by Kathy Willey