JUDITH ANN DEANE HALLOWELL – Judith Ann Deane, 59, our mother, sister and friend, died March 29, 2006, after a brave battle with cancer. Judy was born March 1, 1947, in Biddeford, to Harold and Alice (Tripp) Deane. Not a person who knew and loved her can believe the strength and courage she showed, the pain she endured, over the past few years. Jude was never known as a fighter, except in her own personal battle to survive. She was one of the kindest souls any of us could hope to know and be privileged enough to have in our lives. Jude had a wonderful childhood surrounded by a loving family and friends, many who remain in her life to this day. Judy is survived by two sisters, Jane, who resides in Bangor and Estalee Fernald and her husband, Paul, who reside in Centerville, Mass., a sister Judy didn’t know she was lucky enough to have until two years ago. Jude’s two loves of her life, however, were her children, son Ryan Keliher, who resides in Boulder, Colo. with his partner, Lauren Evans; and daughter, Joy Gray and her husband, Mike, who resided with Judy during her lingering and debilitating illness. Both Ryan and Joy brought sunshine to Jude’s life and until her death. Other family members surviving include William Keliher of Vermont, father of Ryan and Joy; Florence Keliher, grandmother to Ryan and Joy; stepdaughter, Jennifer Keliher of Augusta; a special aunt and uncle, Doris and Roger Tripp of Windham; aunt, Rosemary Tripp of Raymond; aunt, Shirley Werner of Las Vegas, Nev.; nieces, Kristin Lear and Debra Creedon; and nephew, Robert Maffei; cousins, Martha Mountford and Debbie Libby, Terry LeClaire, Anita Tripp, Vickie Gordan, Denise Pulkkinen, Jackie Latham and Chuck Tripp, Chip and Dean Caruso. Jude had great friends in her life, many she made while a special education teacher at the OC Woodman School and junior high school in Gardiner and a special ed administrator in Gardiner. Those most special friends who not only celebrated happy times, but were here during Jude’s illness and for whom the family will be forever grateful are Cliff, Jackie, Audrey, Art, Joyce, Brenda, Mark, Brooks, Christina, Beth, Jane, Marcia and Hope. There are so many important people in Jude’s life it would take far too long to name them all, but they know they are not forgotten and are much appreciated. After Jude’s children, her biggest accomplishment was receiving her master’s degree in education leadership/special ed administration in 2004. Jude raised her children, worked full-time, took on a grueling college schedule and had her first battle with cancer, and still was awarded her degree. Jude was on her way to a second master’s degree when her last battle with cancer ended that dream. Judy wasn’t happy unless she was doing a hundred things at a time and doing them all well. She was a great entertainer and during her residing in Hallowell, was known to throw a great party at her home. Jude’s life ended far too soon. For those of us left behind, we will carry our own special memories of her. It was Jude’s wish to be cremated and to have her ashes scattered by those who loved her in places that meant something to them all; one special place being the beach at Camp Ellis and Bay View, Saco, where Jude spent her childhood and many summers as an adult. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember one of these charities with your donation: Christ Episcopal Church, 2 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, ME; Health-reach Homecare & Hospice, 150 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, ME; or one of your own choosing that holds an important place in your heart. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Christ Episcopal Church, 2 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, with Father Jack Fles presiding. Father Jack visited Jude throughout her battle and was an encouraging presence and force in her life. He made Jude’s transition from this earthly life to heaven an easier avenue for Jude to travel. We will all one day meet again. Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345.
JUDITH ANN DEANE
