Judith Rose Ashkin

August 21, 1931 – April 1, 2024 She was anything but ordinary and so her obituary won’t be either. First and foremost, Judy was a storyteller. Her self-deprecating humor, her hallmark, endeared her to all who listened to her adventures. There was the story about the cat, the story about traveling in France with her sister and mother, and the story about driving around a rotary in Boston. Apparently, Judy had gone around this rotary so many times in a row that a police officer noticed, stopped her, asked her where she was trying to go, and halting traffic allowed her to finally exit the rotary. Judy was also famous for her adages such as, “A woman who will tell you her age will tell you anything.” “Flattery will get you everywhere.” And “Old age ain’t for sissies.” And to her grandchildren, a.k.a. Nana Claus because she never arrived for a visit empty-handed, Judy would coo, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.” A strong woman, a difficult childhood, she persevered. Graduating from Skidmore College with a BA in social work, Judy never stopped helping those around her. In fact, choosing hospice in the facility where she lived, will now ease the way for other families there to choose this same form of care towards end of life almost seamlessly. Judy was a trailblazer even as she exited this world. Earlier in Judy’s life she was the president of her local League of Women Voters chapter. As kids we stuffed thousands of envelopes for important causes, our tongues dry from the effort. Judy’s most rewarding job was when she worked at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women, a maximum-security prison in Bedford, New York. There, Judy worked in the children’s center. She helped facilitate uniting incarcerated mothers with their children. It was gratifying and compassionate work and Judy formed close friendships with many of the women she worked with. Going so far as to sneak in hair care products and make-up. A small gesture that acknowledged our common humanity. An avid athlete: swimmer, golfer, hiker, tennis player, and skier. Judy only stopped skiing well into her 70s when she realized she could no longer get up by herself when she fell. Judy was fierce and a fashionista. The label emblazoned on her walker read, Fashionista Princess. A favorite activity near the end of Judy’s life was looking in her closet and directing helpers to create numerous outfits for events she was sure she would attend in the future. The gifts Judy leaves behind for the rest of us: generosity, perseverance, kindness, and humor. She will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers donate to your local Audubon Society. Judy loved birds. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON has been entrusted with her care. For more information, or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Judith Rose Ashkin

August 21, 1931 - April 1, 2024