Judith Susan Holland Dour, known to many as Judy or Gidgi, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on March 10, 2025 surrounded by family. While growing up on East 6th Street in Southie, she graduated from Cushing Central High School and was the first in her family to attend college. She graduated with honors from Northeastern for both her Undergraduate Degree in Nursing and Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration & Clinical Research, and later received her Doctorate in Healthcare Policy at Brandeis University.
Judy devoted herself to caring for others and began working as a nurse at City Hospital, Floating Hospital for Children, and cared for hundreds of patients at major Boston hospitals throughout her career. She worked in clinical adolescent psychology, served as a Nurse Manager on Alzheimer’s and Dementia units, and ended her 40-year Nursing career at the VA, where she spearheaded the Veterans Crisis hotline, further making a lasting impact in mental health. She became a woman in leadership long before it was widely accepted.
As a devoted mother, Judy worked to put her family first. While leading the household, taking care of the family, and growing a successful career, she somehow found time for hobbies, avid reading and further educating herself. Judy was incredibly creative— making Halloween costumes for her daughters, knitting sweaters and blankets, painting the beauty she saw, needlepointing gifts for family and friends, and hand-weaving Nantucket baskets, including a bassinet used by all of her grandchildren.
Her greatest joy was making things for others, and she spent her life creating special memories for those she loved. She planned numerous family parties and special vacations, including planning a trip to Hawaii for her parents and family, and celebrating her Irish heritage with unforgettable trips to Ireland. She was known for her infectious laughter and the joy she brought to others with her generous heart. She always put others before herself, was a great listener, and took on burdens so those she loved wouldn’t have to.
Judy leaves behind her daughters, Samantha Joyce and Erica Rose; former husband & devoted caregiver, Thomas Leo Dour; grandchildren Elizabeth Barbara, Robert Leo, Rebecca Rose, and Madison Joyce; sons-in-law David Bookston and Gregory Feinberg; her brother’ daughters Laura and Linda Holland, Elizabeth Peixinho, and son Brian Holland. She re-joins her mother and father, Barbara & Howie (Walter) Holland, brothers Barry and Brian Holland, nephew Kevin Holland, cousins Joan Berger, Johnny van Osdol, Auntie Mary van Osdol, and the faithful departed.
Gone today, loved forever, and deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held at Casper Funeral Home. 187 Dorchester St, South Boston, Ma 02127 on Sunday, March 23rd at 12:00pm-2:00pm. All are welcome.