PITTSFIELD – Judy Mitchell Gerald, 66, died peacefully June 6, 2008, with family by her side at home, after waging a long, inspiring battle with cancer. She was born Dec. 14, 1941, in St. Albans, the daughter of Marguerite Waldron Mitchell and Merle Mitchell. She was predeceased by her father; and a sister, Sharon Mitchell Hyatt. She is survived by her mother, Marguerite Dow of Pittsfield; her daughter and best friend, Rita Graf and her husband, John, of Canaan; her stepgrandson, Jeremy Graf of Canaan; a brother, Darald Mitchell and wife, Dianna, of Robbinston; three sisters, Linda Lambert of Newport, Brenda Hopkins and husband, Galen, of Plymouth and Pamela Sprague of Beals; two stepdaughters, Linda Gould and husband, Allan, of Franklin and Sonja Cummings and husband, Mike, of Canaan. There are many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart. There was nothing more important to her than her family and she treasured that closeness. She also leaves behind many friends, among them, Linda, Donna, Diane, and Gail, and two of the “three amigos,” Jane and Sandy. Judy graduated from Maine Central Institute, Pittsfield, in 1961. During her high school years she was a member of Future Homemakers of America, serving as president her senior year. She also served as an officer in Future Teachers of America. She was voted most talented and best dancer. Along with lifetime friend, Linda Brewster, she was voted “best buddies.” Later she became very active in the PTA and was a devoted mother to her daughter. Judy always had a smile on her face and thought of others before herself. She was known as “Mom” to many. Judy loved to dance and was well known for her rendition of the chicken dance which was performed at the tongue-in-cheek embarrassment of her daughter. It was a special request at the wedding of niece, Amie. She loved art and crafts, painting and was an amazing seamstress. She shared a love of golf with her daughter and the “girls” from Wednesday nights. Judy worked for more than 30 years at C.M Almy, Pittsfield. She retired in 2006, when her illness wouldn’t allow her to work any longer. During her more than two-year battle with cancer, she met some of the most caring and compassionate people at CancerCare of Maine, Bangor. The oncology nurses are a special and rare people, who treat you with dignity and care, and have a way of giving comfort with a smile and a hug. A special thank you to hospice nurse, Bertha Morin. “You’re on God’s schedule now.” The family will receive friends 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield, with a memorial service held 7 p.m. with the Rev. Kevin Brooks officiating. Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Judy’s memory may be made to CancerCare of Maine, 489 State St., Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements are entrusted to Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.
JUDY MITCHELL GERALD
