My friend Juby

Judy "Juby" was my friend since the early 80's at Kaiser. We worked in pediatrics together and I learned so much from her. We quickly became friends. She taught me so much in my early years as a developing nurse. She was an incredible nurse and mentor. We remainded friends eventhough she moved on to other facilities. It was a huge loss to our pediatric unit but other children were lucky to have her.

Judy, (top) Peggy, Robin, Sharon (me), Jeannine, Annemarie, Laura, Kris

We remained friends even after I moved to New Hampshire. I would visit every 3 years or so. We would take rides up to Apple Hill. It was our tradition. We'd spend the whole day going from one ranch to the next. They are treasured memories for me.

She loved Mary Engelbreit. I was learning how to quilt and this was the very first thing I tried, placemats for her.

The past few times I came home we went birding together. We both have an incredible love of birds and she taught me many things I did not know. We shared photos with each other. She and Janet would go birding and she used her IPad to take some lovely photos. She really enjoyed her outings with Janet and would tell me in wonderful detail about their birding days together. I would share with her live videos of birds in my New England yard. She would share my photos with her brother Wayne who also loved birding. Our last trip was to Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. We just had the lovliest day together.

Great blue heron

Redwinged blackbird

Looking at the Sutter Buttes

A killdear on eggs

Birds gave her such joy especially when he body was failing her. She could watch so much out of her windows at home. Dawn and Matt kept the feeders full for her. They were such a blessing.

She loved hummingbirds so much

Judy had her own special language. I still use many of her Judy-isms to this day! Chicktadee, Coolieo, trinkle pantry, wondermous, oh my gootness, holy moly macaroni says Joni, mell of a hess, I know Kah-rah-tay, persactly, peeps, yes indeedy, I luff you, praple, okey-dokums, louie and a roscoe, absotively posolutley. I can hear her saying them all 😊

Judy would talk about "the friends", her church group. She found so much comfort in them and God. It was such a blessing for her and for me to have them in her life. I am grateful. Knowing God, allowed her to cope with her past and present.

She also got so much joy from her children Dawn (Chickadee) and Stephen, her grandchildren and great grandbaby. Dawn has been a Godsend for so many years. She took such amazing care of her mother all the while holding down a full time demanding job, being a multiple pet mom and wife. And that she and Matt were able to care for Judy's cats when she had passed gave Judy so much comfort and peace. The cat loves Matt. I am so grateful to you and for you Chickadee. You are an angel on earth.

It's hard to believe it has been nearly a year that our cherished friend left us. But she is with her Heavenly Father. Her body feels better and her soul is joyous. I miss you every day my friend. I love you always, Sharon