MOUNT DESERT – On Oct. 19, 2011, the light from a star that guided so many towards kindness and peace went dark. Judith Hill Rothrock, 71, passed away leaving a legacy of social action and service. That she was so loved by so many gives her family comfort in the wake of our profound loss. Her commitment to living sustainably in cherished harmony with the community she loved so dearly on Mount Desert Island has been a treasured gift and inspiration for all of us. Words cannot truly give meaning to a life lived so beautifully. Those who were touched by the gentle strength of Judy’s spirit miss you dearly.
Judy was the beloved daughter of James E. Hill and Gertrude Hill; and beloved sister of J.B. Hill. She is survived by her sisters, Kathleen Allan and Karen Hill; her devoted daughter, Kristen Goodrich and her husband, Jake Goodrich; her granddaughter, Devyn Drusjack and Devyn’s father, Greg Drusjack; her devoted son, Stephen Rothrock and his partner, Kristianne Kirkman; her granddaughter, Grace Connor; and by her niece, Danika Tyminski.
Judy was a compassionate and gifted social worker whose career spanned more than three decades treating families at Community YMCA Counseling and Social Services, Matawan, N.J. She served hundreds of clients, but was best known for her work with Vietnam veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. She retired to her cabin on Mount Desert Island and spent her remaining years in service to the community she so loved with particular dedication to Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth. She was a volunteer at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Acadia Senior College, Mount Desert Island, where she continued to further her awareness of social justice and philosophy. Always inspired by the pursuit of healing those in need and giving of her time and wisdom to those she loved – Judy made this world a kinder and gentler place for us all.
We will be holding a memorial service for Judy 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth, 121 Bucksport Road, Ellsworth. We ask in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth in memory of her commitment to the community she so adored, or Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, 119 Bucksport Road, Ellsworth, ME 04605, in memory of an amazing life always dedicated to serving that community. She believed the highest calling is to give back more than you take from this world. Judy, your generosity truly served as a beacon of hope in the potential of humanity to love one another with dignity and compassion.