1940 - 2026
Born in Boston, Judy was the daughter of the late Patrick and Anna (Rush) Ryan. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Patrick J. Ryan and M. James Ryan. Raised in West Roxbury, she graduated from the Girls' Latin School before earning a degree in Early Education from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she met her future husband. She later earned a master's degree in education from Worcester State University.
Judy dedicated 24 years to the Westborough Public Schools as an elementary school teacher. Throughout her distinguished career, she also served as a team leader, math curriculum coordinator, curriculum developer, adjunct faculty member at local colleges, and regional mentor and coach for a hands-on mathematics program. She took immense pride in inspiring both students and fellow educators, while forming lifelong friendships with colleagues along the way.
Service to others defined Judy's life. A devoted member of St. Luke the Evangelist Church and the Westborough Women's Club, she co-founded a local chapter of Sewing for Hope, creating clothing and dolls for orphaned children in Tanzania. She also volunteered her time preparing and delivering meals to members of the community and continually found meaningful ways to help others.
Judy loved bringing people together. Whether singing, dancing, organizing family gatherings, or traveling the world with Dave, she embraced every opportunity to connect with others. She enthusiastically supported the dreams of her children and grandchildren, attending countless performances, games, and special events. She also had a well-known love for discovering local ice cream stands and never turned down a warm slice of blueberry pie topped with vanilla ice cream.
In addition to her beloved husband, David, Judy is survived by her daughters, Julie A. Belbin and her husband Edward of Shrewsbury, Maureen E. Gatti and her husband John, and Susan E. Walsh and her husband Sean of Saco, Maine; her grandsons, David and his wife Catherine, Peter, Michael, and Tom; her granddaughters, Megan, Emma, Kaitlyn, and Riley; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Maela.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 19th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home.
A Mass celebrating Judy's life will be held on Monday, July 20th at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Luke the Evangelist Church (70 West Main Street, Westborough).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy's memory may be made to Alzheimer's disease research or the Westborough Food Pantry.
