IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Judith

Judith Stephenson Profile Photo

Stephenson

July 2, 1940 – October 16, 2021

Obituary

Judith Alice (MacKinlay) Stephenson, 81, formerly of Leominster and Concord, MA, passed away peacefully in her home in Maynard, MA on October 16, 2021. She leaves behind her children, Karen Audette (Steve), Lloyd (Christine), Gary (Cynthia), grandchildren Gerald (Stephanie) and Kenzie Audette, Craig, Lauren Esposito (Nick), Colin, Duncan, Clark, and great grandchildren Steven Thomas Audette and Mia McKinley Esposito. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband Gillis Fraser Stephenson, grandson Andre Stephenson Audette, and great granddaughter, Gentry Gillis Esposito. Born on July 2, 1940 in Sydney, NS Canada to Henry Lloyd and Katherine (MacLeod) MacKinlay, she was the eldest of five children, sister to Evelyn Garnier (Clyde), James (Cathy), Bruce (Doreen), and Mary Lynn McIntosh (David). Judy was accomplished in so many ways. While working full-time and raising her family, she studied at night over several years and obtained her bachelors degree. She worked for many years in Human Resources at NMI in Concord, MA and was their representative to the Concord Chamber. She was also one of the first business women invited to join the Concord Rotary Club. Outside of work, she was a master crafter and baker. She always seemed to have more hours in the day than everyone else. Everything she created was flawless, sewing the latest fashions, knitting the whole family sweaters and scarves, and her baked goods and pies were bakery window worthy. Her flair for fashion (shared by her sisters) was striking and she was always a vision in her elegant outfits with matching accessories. For over 30 years, she managed the healthcare of her husband Gillis who had MS. He was able to live at home with the very best of care due to her love and support. Cherished keepsakes of one of their earliest dates were their dance cards. All the dances on Gillis' card were marked "Judy" and all the dances on her card were marked "Gillis". It didn't matter if Glenn Miller's String of Pearls played in the kitchen or at a wedding - that was their song and they twirled and danced at every opportunity. A tireless, dedicated fan, she attended her children's and grandchildren's concerts, art shows, hockey, baseball, and football games. She was known to vocally help the referees to understand the rules. When she retired her energy did not fade. She learned to play the electric organ and joined a health club. The friendships she made in her music and swim groups brought her years of joy. She also leaves behind many dear companions at Camellia Gardens. She was known and loved for many reasons, but it was her infectious, brilliant smile that will be remembered by everyone in the constellation of family, friends and acquaintances. The following poem was found beautifully penned in her childhood autograph book. "She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies." Lord Byron A private memorial service celebrating Judy's life will be held in the future. Written condolences may be mailed to: c/o Gary Stephenson, 42 Hawthorne Village, Concord, MA 01742. In lieu of flowers, please consider a small donation to the MS Society of New England . Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Judith Stephenson, please visit our flower store.

Judith Stephenson's Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors