Judith L. Barry

Judith L. Barry

June 13, 1937 - September 04, 2014

Judith L. Barry

June 13, 1937 - September 04, 2014

Obituary

On September 4, 2014, Judith L. Barry, quietly and peacefully left us after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Clete, and devoted children, son David and his wife Yao, and daughter Jill. She died as she lived with dignity and grace; always caring for the feelings of those around her.

Born in Seattle, WA on June 13, 1937, Judy was the oldest of three children to parents Hugh and Marjorie LaVille. Her younger sister, Susan, with whom she shared a bedroom until Judy’s departure to college, adored and admired her beloved, older sister and will miss her terribly.

Judy graduated from Bellevue High School in 1955 and attended Central Washington University in the Fall where she met the love of her life, Cletus Barry. Clete had joined the army and was being transferred to Alaska, so the happy couple quickly became engaged and was married on February 23, 1957. In August, they moved to Fairbanks, AK. They lived there for two years and during this time son, David Paul, was born on March 24, 1958.

In 1959, Clete was honorably discharged from military life and the small family decided to move back to Bellevue, WA and purchased their first home in Highland Hills and it was there that daughter, Jill Cathleen, joined the family; born on April 8, 1960. Highland Hills was also where many life-long friendships were made: Ogilvie, Sater, Janssen, Sparks and Hanna families.

Judy was a stay at home mom, while Clete joined the family grocery/meat cutting business to earn a living. In 1969, Judy returned to the work force as an Administrative Assistant for the Bellevue Public School District, spending time at both Tyee Jr High School and then moving to Highland Middle School. The family enjoyed camping and waterskiing together and Judy even found time to play on a softball team and bowling league for many years. She worked 25 years for the school district and in 1997, she and Clete retired and moved to Mission Viejo, CA to be close to their adult children and grandchildren; Joshua, Sean, Tyler and Tara.

During retirement, both Judy and Clete spent hundreds of hours attending little league baseball games, soccer games, basketball games and swim meets. She was her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader. In between these activities Judy found time to volunteer at the Thrift Shop that is associated with Mission Hospital, clocked in volunteer hours in the office of St. George Episcopal Church for 10 years and she was an active member of the Palmia Landscape Committee and Garden Club. During this time, Judy and Clete made many new friends living in the Palmia community and enjoyed attending numerous Palmia sponsored functions and events.

She fell in love with the California sunshine and spent a lot of time exploring the California beaches; San Clemente became one of her favorites. Judy and Clete were also fortunate to travel the world and enjoyed taking several trips during retirement; Caribbean Cruise, Panama Canal Cruise, Seine River Cruise, Smokey Mountain Bus Tour, Ireland/Scotland Tour and Costa Rica Tour.

She was a woman of tremendous joy and easy laughter; always ready for a challenge be it family, work, or play.

Judy is survived by her best friend and husband, Clete (57 yrs); her loving son, David (Yao); her kind-hearted daughter, Jill (David); her pride and joy grandchildren, Joshua (Allie), Sean (Ashlee), Tyler (Sarah) and Tara (Scott); and finally she was over the moon ecstatic meeting and holding her two great-granddaughters; Presley Cathleen and Piper Rae.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. @ St. George Episcopal Church, 23802 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to
Illumination Foundation, http://www.ifhomeless.org/about-us/,
Mission Hospital, http://www.mission4health.com/Contact-Us/Email-Directory.aspx,
or St. George Episcopal Church, http://www.episcopalchurch.org/parish/st-georges-parish-laguna-hills-ca.

Please visit the online guest book at https://www.oconnormortuary.com/obituaries/Judith-Barry/.

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17 responses to Judith L. Barry

  1. The service was a true and beautiful tribute to our friend Judy. Our sympathy to Clete and Judy’s beloved family.

    Judy will be misses and we will forever hold the memories we shared dear.

    Charlie and Mary Leigh Blek

  2. Carole Howe says:

    Clete and family – Judy was a lovely lady with a beautiful smile and kind heart. I will always remember the last time I spoke to her — she didn’t want to talk about her own health issues but wanted to know about how her friends were doing. That was so typical of her genuine concern for others. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Bob and Carole Howe

  3. Pat Sater says:

    We have such wonderful memories with Judy. Taking care of each others kids. Bowling with her and playing on the same softball team, also packing up the kids and food ready to haul everything down the hill to launch our boats on Lake Sammamish as soon as all the hubbies in the neighborhood came home from work. Doug and I loved Judy very much and will miss her very much. Theres no one like her. Doug and Pat Sater

  4. david says:

    Thx Jane… She did think of you as a “second daughter “

  5. david says:

    Thank you for making the long drive out… It was much appreciated.

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