Julia “Judy” Wright Williams’ long and courageous battle with cancer came to an end on April 10. We have all lost an incredible friend. She was a force of nature and if you were lucky enough to be in her orbit, your life was bolder and brighter, and a lot more fun. Judy showed us all how to truly live life to the fullest, no matter what.
As a lifelong resident of Orange, she was the 13th generation to live on the family farm. Judy loved Orange and took a very active role in town. She ran into friends everywhere she went. She knew them from when she was a teenager giving horseback riding lessons, her 29 years of teaching special education in town, serving pancakes at the Country Fair, or her 17 years as a selectperson. Last year she received the well-deserved honor of being named a Living Treasure.
She and her loving husband Art, of 48 years, raised their two daughters, Mandy and Amy, in town. Judy was the best long-distance Nana to her two Australian granddaughters. Her beloved Amy, her buddy, passed away last year, another reminder that every day is precious.
Peter Pan was one of her heroes and she shared that sense of wonder and impishness with all children, especially her nephews and nieces. Auntie Jude was always the instigator of adventures and supplier of treats and tickle bugs. They all benefited from her boundless optimism and encouragement.
Judy’s kitchen table was where the world was put to rights. It was a gathering place for friends, family and neighbors. A place where stories were shared, problems were solved, ice cream was eaten, and names were even carved into the table.
Judy was happiest when she had a trip planned. Bicycling in Cape Cod, exploring canyons in the Southwest, searching for the Northern Lights in Iceland, kayaking in Alaska, visiting her granddaughters in Australia or even just hiking Sleeping Giant. If you ever wanted a travel companion, Judy would say yes.
A very special thank you to Dr. DiGiovanna and his team of miracle workers who helped give Judy the quality of life she craved. Through all the treatments she remained positive, a “happy warrior” and an inspiration to many. She didn’t let her illness slow her down for a minute. She showed gratitude for all that Smilow had done for her through volunteering to help others battle cancer.
Please honor Judy by living your life to the fullest.
We will be celebrating Judy’s vibrant life on Sunday April 27th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Racebrook Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Smilow’s Closer to Free Fund online at www.givetoynhh.org or the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary online at www.cvhfoundation.org/donate-2
To light a candle or leave a condolence please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Julia “Judy” Wright Williams, please visit our Tree Store.