After a long battle with cancer, Judith A. (Lincoln) Leonard, 75, of Fairhaven died at home surrounded by love on Monday, November 28, 2022. Born in Brockton, the daughter of the late John and Patricia (Williams) Lincoln and beloved wife of the late Luke Leonard, Jr. She lived in Brockton for most of her life before moving to Lakeville and then eventually Fairhaven to be by the ocean she treasured so much. Her character, kind-hearted nature, and contagious laugh will, until the end of time, live on.
Miss Judy, as she was affectionately known by, was vivacious, the life of the party, and lit up every room she went into. She was the recognized owner and teacher of Miss Judy Taste of Honey Preschool in Brockton and Lakeville for 36 years, never having missed a day of work. Referring to her students as her "little hunnies", Miss Judy took every opportunity to make them feel special and engaged. Her celebrations at Taste of Honey were notable and endless. For instance, the Thanksgiving celebration she meticulously planned, held in her own dining room; she spent time fussing over everything from the custom-made costumes, to the tepee they'd gather in, to a full- traditional Thanksgiving feast she carefully crafted for her "little hunnies". Miss Judy did it all. Her commitment to making memories and honoring traditions does not stop there. Whether it was celebrating Cinco de Mayo or singing and dancing around the Maypole, we cannot forget the preschool songs she'd belt out enthusiastically with her students; many of which we could recite to this day. Not one of these traditions seemed to get old. Year after year students and their families always looked forward to the many special holiday traditions. On Halloween night she would dress up and anxiously await to see her little hunnies ring the doorbell saying, "Trick or Treat". Students from years past still enjoyed visiting their favorite Miss Judy on the special day. Judy's passion for the work she did helped not only create priceless childhood memories, it also cemented the academic foundations of countless community members who attended her coveted preschool.
When her beloved Red Sox were on, she stayed true to her reputation as a devoted fan by diligently and passionately cheering her team on. Her strength and passion for life will continue to burn in the lives of all of those she impacted. The common thread in everything she did was making memories and spreading joy to others. One of her favorite quotes was, "go out and make memories."
Judy was a joyful presence with her stylish clothes and bubbly personality. Known by her children and grandchildren for her cherished "mystery rides", Christmas clementines, pumpkin carving, cookie night and Friday night pizza night. These traditions were unforgettable like Judy herself. Every month her great-grandchild, Ellie, would look forward to receiving Nana's special arts and craft mail delivery, just another example of Judy's passion for teaching and being memorable. She filled her home with warmth and kindness at all times. She could be seen energetically walking the streets of her beachfront neighborhood in the mornings, smiling and humming on her way to enjoy coffee with her best friend and sister at heart, Miss Mary. Judy also enjoyed going to the beach, sitting in the sun, reading, gardening, Zumba classes with her friends at the Center, and decorating for the holidays. And we can't forget her famous Leslie Samson walking DVDs, her full-sized Joe Biden cut out or her memorable and extremely colorful talks around the table that always ended in laughter.
Most of all, family meant everything to her. Judy unconditionally and unselfishly loved and cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was extremely proud of them and their individual accomplishments. To know Judy, was to love her; she was a friend to everyone and supported those she loved all her life.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Reagan and his wife Amy of Fort Myers; two daughters, Kelli Lauzon-Medeiros and her husband Steven Medeiros of Fairhaven and Koleen Kipperman and her husband Todd of Brewster; 11 grandchildren, (Cole, Tyler, and Kelsey Reagan, Heather Martin and her husband Bobby), (Brianna and Kyle Reagan, Emilea and Abigail Lauzon), and (Jack, Sean, and Julia Kipperman); three great-grandchildren, Ellie and Grayson Martin, and Murphy Reagan; her former husband, Frederick Reagan of Lakeville; her sister-in-law, Patsy Lincoln of Mansfield; her cousin, Kathleen Peck of Brockton; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.
She was predeceased by her brothers John and Gerald Lincoln, and her sister-in-law, Kathleen Donahue.
Her Memorial Visitation will be held Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 4-6pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Miss Judy to the Friends of the Lakeville Public Library, 4 Precinct Street, Lakeville, MA 02347. For directions and online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.