Obituary of Judith Judson

Judith B. Judson, a woman devoted to her community, faith, and family, passed away peacefully with her family at her bedside on Wednesday afternoon, September 13, 2017. She was 79 years old. Judy was born in Quincy, the daughter of the late Joseph and Barbara Benson. She grew up in Braintree and was a graduate of Thayer Academy in 1956. Her childhood summers were spent on the beaches of Duxbury, where her family had a summer home. She never lost touch with her childhood friends, Peter and Susan, in Duxbury and often returned with her children and grandchildren so that they could appreciate why Duxbury was so special to her. Judy went off to Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, New York. Judy, ignoring the advice of her parents about staying away from the local boys, met Bruce Judson. Her decision to overlook the guidance of her parents was one of the most important decisions of her life. A romance blossomed and they were married in 1960. They have shared 57 wonderful years of marriage together. They settled in Burlington in 1964 when they were expecting their second child. Judy and Bruce both became very active in the community. Bruce became a member of the Masons. Judy became a member of the Eastern Star in Billerica. She was very active in all the charity work, socials, and the events of the Eastern Star. She took on leadership positions until reaching highest position in the chapter, Worthy Matron. Judy, once a Rainbow Girl in Braintree Assembly #30, renewed her involvement in the organization when her girls were at an age to join. She held the position of Pledge Mother and worked with Billerica Assembly #61 Rainbow for Girls to instill the values of faith, having hope in all you do, and charity toward others. Judy was also a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for her three daughters. Judy had worked at Digital as a receptionist for a number of years. She had worked at Jordan Marsh and Filene’s in a variety of positions including retail clerk, credit counter, and her favorite, gift wrap. She enjoyed those jobs, the customers, and coworkers, but more so enjoyed her role as homemaker, wife, mother, and Nana. She was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Judy’s life revolved around her family. Simply, if something was important for one of her family members, it was important that Judy be there to support them. She was an avid supporter of the Boston Ballet. She attended countless dance recitals, football, soccer, baseball games, track meets, cheerleading, equestrian events, and even concerts. In the beginning, she might not have understood the rules or scoring, but in the end, she was an expert. She was the wife of a Mason, which meant attending and working all their events and activities. She loved spending the summers in Baldwin, Maine with all her family. The cottage was always bulging at the seams, filled with family, sleeping bags, fun and laughter. She was always ready for a road trip, whether it was to Indiana, upState New York, Canada, or any other destination. She enjoyed numerous trips to Bermuda and Key West, Florida. Judy didn’t need an extravagant lifestyle or material goods to be happy. As long as she was surrounded by her family and friends, she was the richest person in the world. Judy was the beloved wife of M. Bruce Judson. She was the loving mother of Jennifer Jankowski & her husband the late Robert of Burlington, Jill Heafey & her husband David of Tewksbury, and Jerilyn Platon & her husband Jon of Woburn. She was the sister of Joseph P. Benson & his wife Sandy of Destin, FL. Judy was the proud Nana of Kayla & Shannon Heafey, Taylor & Aidan Platon and Matthew & Adam Jankowski. She also leaves some longtime, treasured friends whom she cherished dearly. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Saturday, Sept 16 from 3-6 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 10 St Mark’s Road, Burlington on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In Memory of Judy, donations may be made to the International Order Rainbow for Girls, Billerica Assembly 61, Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge, 11 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821.