Judith Ann Donaldson, age 85, of Woburn passed away on June 21, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hudson, MI, Judy was the daughter of the late Ralph and Elizabeth (Fisher) Moine. She was raised and educated in Morenci, MI and was a graduate of Morenci High School. She raised her own family in Hudson, MI before moving to Toledo, OH in the late 70s. Judy moved to Massachusetts in 2013 and built a community of strong and loyal friendships.
Judy spent her career in administrative positions in educational settings, working for school superintendents and headmasters for decades. She was the epitome of organization and was considered the amicable and hospitable gateway to information and resources in every institution in which she held a position. Judy was a revered figure at Maumee Valley Country Day School in Toledo, OH, where she worked for more than thirty years and for several heads of school. Hers was often the warm and welcoming face that greeted students, faculty, staff and families as they entered the front door. Judy knew everything about Maumee Valley, and she loved sharing her knowledge with the community. After moving to Massachusetts, Judy worked at the Winchester Public Library for many years as a library page, where her friendliness and organizational skills continued to make an impact on those around her. Judy always took care to learn as much as she could about everyone, a character trait she carried right up to her last days in the hospital. She valued every individual and wanted to convey that to them.
Judy dedicated herself to a life of service in various capacities. In Toledo, she volunteered at David’s House Compassion, an AIDS service organization, as a hospice volunteer. She loved spending time with the residents and their families, offering respite and kind words as they worked through their illness.
For 34 years, Judy was a proud member of AA and helped many, many others in that community. She had a supportive warmth that people relished; she always made space for everyone and strongly believed in listening with an open mind and heart. Judy was passionate about letting others realize their worth. Upon moving to Massachusetts, Judy quickly became a leader, running the Tuesday night meetings at a local church, as well as attending other group meetings throughout the week. She built a strong legacy in her AA work, with friends near and far who sought her out for support, comfort and friendship. Judy loved and valued her AA family so much. She considered her career in AA as one of her greatest achievements.
In her spare time, Judy was an avid reader and crafter. Her favorite pastimes were drinking coffee while reading a great novel, stitching of all kinds, and spending time with friends and family. She also worked hard to learn about Boston sports teams and became very adept at discussing the Patriots, Bruins and Celtics. She ignored the Red Sox. Judy loved the family tradition of a Super Bowl Sunday, replete with Blue Ribbon BBQ and dozens of questions about how football works.
Judy fiercely loved her family. She always rooted, both out loud and quietly, for each family member and wanted to see them live their best life; she was constant in her praise and love for everyone. Judy was a special person who made each family member feel important and unique.
Judy leaves behind her son Rick Donaldson (Michelle), daughter Liz Donaldson, daughter Shawn Donaldson Macannuco (David), grandchildren Mike Donaldson, Tony Sofo, Jr. (Maegan), Caroline Sofo Wild (Austin), Jude, Will and Luke Macannuco, great grandchildren Sawyer Donaldson and Ella Louise Wild. Judy was preceded in death by her sister Sally Allen and grandson Nick Donaldson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Autism Housing Pathways https://www.autismhousingpathways.org or to St. Jude’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/, two organizations Judy held dear to her heart.
A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date.