Norma K. Judson of Westport Point, daughter of the late Evelyn Beatrice (Corey) and Sheldon Burke Judson, age 83. A graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1949 and Bates College, she did graduate work at Boston University. After a brief teaching career, she opened the Moby Dick Shop in 1953 and the well-known specialty store, Silas Brown’s in 1969. She continued in business for forty-four years until her retirement.
Local history and restoration work were an important part of her life. She received several rewards for her work on historic New Bedford Houses and worked on Westport committees to preserve the Bell School, The Wolf Pit School and the Earle School. She designed numerous homes and was happiest creating in this field.
She served on the Bicentennial and Senior Center Committees and for many years, was involved with the Bell School Fair. Other positions included membership in the Community Preservation Committee, the Westport Historical Society, the Westport Historical Commission and she was elected for eight terms to the Landing Commission. She was proud to be listed in Who’s Who of American Women.
An original member of the Westport Bridge Club, she also enjoyed the Osprey Book Club and members of each group. An avid reader, her interest was strong in the Revolutionary Period in American History. She authored her “Best Memories” cookbook and enjoyed creative cooking. Having grown up on the Westport River, its condition was one of her major concerns.
In 2004, she created the Westport History Work Group that helped to preserve important information for the Westport Library. A new room was dedicated for that purpose, resulting in a vast increase of important material. Her work in this area led her to recognition as the 2011 Westport Woman of the Year.
Above all, she wanted her life to exemplify the equality of women. She also believed everyone should run for public office at some point during their life span. Ms. Judson was a member of Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting.
She leaves 2 daughters: Sarah Judson Moran and her husband John, and Julie Brown and her husband Timothy A. Palmer; granddaughters: Corey Howland Gifford and her husband Woodeman Joseph, Kiah Brown Murphy and Hana Coale Murphy; best friend: Paula Lareau Ryan; and her foster son: Russell F. Wagner.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting, S. Dartmouth at 10:00 A.M.
Calling hours will be Friday from 5-8 at the Potter Funeral Home.
Interment will be in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport.
Flowers are acceptable or memorial donations may be made to the Westport Free Public Library, History Room, P.O. Box N-157, Westport, MA 02790.