Judy Ann Byrd, age 61, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2010 at her home in Burlington, Washington.
She was born May 2, 1949 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington to Charles and Della (Parker) Byrd. Judy was a lifetime resident of Skagit County, growing up in Lyman and graduating from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1967. She lived in Sedro-Woolley where she managed Hal’s Drive In for many years and later worked as an installer technician on Talkie Tooters for Rothenbuhler Engineering. For the past 10 years, Judy has resided in Burlington.
She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, cooking, shopping, gardening, and traveling especially going to the Oregon Coast and Ocean Shores.
Family was first in Judy Byrd’s heart; she made certain to remind us of that each and every day. The bond of love was unconditional and never ending especially for her sister Karen, brother-in-law Dean, niece Ashly, great-niece Grace, and Judy who was like their other mother.
Judy was very outgoing and was liked by all who knew her; she never met a stranger she didn’t like. She was very generous and giving, she would give you the shirt off her back. Judy was loved and especially was proud that her only true love had just recently come back into her life and the family would like to thank “Dennis Sanders”.
Judy is survived by her sister, Karen L. Miller and her husband Dean of Sedro-Woolley. A niece, Ashly Henderson and her husband Bradley of Sedro-Woolley and a great-niece, Grace Judylynn Henderson of Sedro-Woolley. 4 aunts, Evelyn Collette of Mount Vernon, Willian Schafer and her husband Albert of Anchorage, AK, Edna Parker of Burlington, Reba Moore of Sedro-Woolley; 2 uncles, Lloyd Parker of Lyman and Larry Parker of Sedro-Woolley, and numerous cousins.
Judy’s sister, Karen would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of the Northwest and her caregiver Doug from Hospice, and to all of her beloved friends who she loved as much as family who where unwavering in their dedication to Judy and were constant in their love, care and support. With special thanks to her friends at the Woodgate Apartment, also to Ellen T., Barb P., Aunt Edna, Lagina, Judy P., Reba S., Beverly S., Kellie and Carlean for their love, care, and support, and also to her friends and neighbors who helped daily and brought food and lent their support which allowed Judy to remain in her home.
“To my dear Sister, I love you more today than yesterday, if possible”.
She was preceded in death by her parents; uncle Jody Byrd and aunt Mary Byrd.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements and Cremation under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Just found out about Judy. My friend my cousin she was my hero growing up in hals drivein after are baseball games still got the love from her miss u cuz
To Judy’s family, As mom is living in an assisted living home in Redmond, I took her to her condo in Mt Vernon for the weekend. Mom told me she had heard Judy had passed away…I didn’t know if mom’s memory was treating her well? I see today that lovely Judy is no longer with us and it makes us both very sad. We feel so badly we did not reach out to you sooner! Judy did have such a kind heart and lovely smile! We had good times together years ago and our memories of those times won’t be forgotten! We hope you are all well.
I have looked for Judy for. Many years. I just found this notice. I met Judy through mutual friends when I was 13 years old.(friends. Where Bev and Judy Osburn and Gene Sanders). I lost track of all of them. I am so sad that I didnt find Judy sooner. She was always so friendly and warm to me, even thou our encounter was brief. I am glad to know she was loved and had people close to her throughout her brief life. God bless those who loved and cared for her.
Kenny and I were so sorry to hear of Judy leaving us already. She was one of those people that just made you feel welcome and befriended as soon as you met her. At least that’s how I felt when met her through Barb. I understood immediately why she had been friends with her for so long! What a beautiful person! She’s already missed a great deal. Please know that we are so very sorry for your loss, and that you are all in our prayers, as we ask God to hold you close, hold you up, and comfort you as only He can. We love you all.
Karen, I was sorry to hear of Judy’s death she was a sweet person I know there will be a empty place in all of your hearts. Love Alice
My deepest sympathies go out to all the ones Judy held dear . I really liked her. She was friendly and upbeat. I loved it when she was the manager of Hal’s and Barb and Gladys worked there. They were always laughing and kidding around and they always seemed to be having a blast.
I have often wondered about the girls throughout the years.
Again, I am so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing.
I guess God must have needed more Angels to help him up in Heaven.
Karen,
I just saw Dean and he told me about Judy, I am so sorry. I haven’t seen Judy in years…..but all my memories are of a quick-witted, sweet, funny person and a joy to be around. The two of you had an incredible bond and I know she will be truly missed., I hope the MANY Great memories with her will help your heart to heal!! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers… Love, Carla
I worked with Judy at Rothenbuhler Engineering 15 years ago, and lived next door to her for a couple years. During that time at work and as her friend and neighbor we became very close. We shared many fun times together at work laughing at break time with Linda Lamphere, Gladis, Darci, Judy Mccann. The Old Timer’s Tavern with a few beers, maybe more than a few at times, ha ha, with Linda, Darci, Gladis, and we laughed our butts off. I lived right next door to Judy and we shared many times together talking and just sitting in her yard visiting, she always had her garden growing with flowers, and vegetables. Her house was full of crafts that we would buy from ABC. We shared many stories together and i will value that forever. She let me do my laundry at her apartment complex in Sedro-Woolley weekly because I did not have a washer and dryer, and we would walk to Central Grocery buy a six pack, and some smokes and visit while my clothes were drying. I am so sad to hear of her passing, though I have not seen Judy in awhile I never forgot her friendship and huge heart she had, her courage and advice she gave me I will never forget. Judy was a strong lady who was not afraid to speak up for what she believed in and I respected her for that. I wish I had not lost contact with her over the years, as many people do after time and lives get busy we sometimes forget to stay in touch. I regret that, and wish I would have called my friend to say hello. I will remember Judy forever and hope she is resting in peace.
Love Lisa
Dear Karen and family,
I was so very sorry to hear about Judy, she was such a beautiful person, inside and out, and will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Love, Alma
I graduated with Judy and have not seen her since High School. I remember meeting her in 7th grade and liking her right away. We wrote notes to each other all the time in class and I am sure we got caught from time to time by the teacher. These memories bring a smile to my face as I remember a childhood friend. All my prayers and sympathy to her family.
Dear Karen, Dean and Family: I am so sorry to hear about Judy’s passing. Even thought I haven’t seen her in many years. I still remember her great laugh and those awesome hugs she gave. I know that she has left her footprints on all of the hearts that she touched. She was a very special person, a friend to all and will be greatly missed by anyone who knew her. God Bless you all in your time of sorrow. Love, Valorie Jensen (Brawley).
Judy was a classmate of mine at Sedro-Woolley High School Class of ’67. Judy was always full of laughter and someone that was fun to be around. She will always be part of my high school memories and my growing up years in Woolley. May god bless this wonderful person.
Sally Wilson Straathof
Karen, Dean and Family-
I was so sorry to read of Judy’s passing. She hired me to work at Hal’s many years ago. I will never forget the fun we had working together. She always had a great sense of humor. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Charlene Smith Ovenell
Karen and Family
I am so sorry to hear about Judy, she was always one of a kind. God got a very special one when he called Judy home. Always laughing and being funny.
Even tho I did not get to see Judy much it was always like we had just seen each other. Like she told me one time once a friend always a friend.
Cherie Hardin
Dear Karen & Dean,
I am so sorry to hear of your precious Sister’s passing. Judy was always the one to give you a smile! She was quite remarkable. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Love to you all,
Sherry Blanton
Karen and Dean,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Judy.
May God be with you and may you find peace in knowing she is no longer in pain and is at rest.
God Bless,
Yvonne
So very sorry to hear about Judy . She will be missed very much by all who knew her .
Karen, Dean and Family; I am so sorry that we lost our Judy this soon. I Loved her very much, for 53 years she was in my life and left quit a piece of herself in my heart and for-ever it will stay. I loved Judy did’nt get to see her as much as i should have but always called her on her Birthday. She was quit the Girl, we had lots of laughs and i have all those memories in my heart for-ever. Love you Karen. Claudia