Judy Helen Parmelee

I met Judy when she moved to Salt Lake to work for the Utah Schools for the Deaf. For the past two decades, she has been my anchor.  For years my family met her for dinner monthly, watching movies in her living room, playing cards, and dominoes.  She kept my spare key, and was my emergency contact whenever I took a trip.  I knew she could handle anything that came up.

Judy didn't suffer fools, but she had an easy laugh.  She was quick, she was definite, and she was thorough.  She never left anything unfinished, saying she craved closure.  

She came up with strategies to teach children with every sort of disability.  She never had a problem with discipline--ever. She threw herself into whatever she attempted, raising the bar for the rest of us!

Crafts were her greatest love.  She took up stained glass work, formed our knitting group, immersed herself in ceramics, and she was uncannily good with a paintbrush.

We will miss her.  Her enthusiasm, her friendliness, and her know-how.  May she rest in peace, free of the physical ailments that dogged her the recent years.  She was a caring, competent friend--not just to me, but to so many others.  Her memory will live on in each of us.

Judy was so dear to me! I knew her through the Curves for Women community originally, and later was able to work with her in the Salt Lake City School District. She was like a second momma to me for a while. I very much enjoyed our conversations and lunches. She was so passionate and warm, but no nonsense, and I really appreciated that about her. I am heartbroken to hear of this loss. I always assumed I would see her again. Sending so much love to those she left behind.

Judy was also a colleague and friend of mine in Salt Lake City School District.  Judy worked tirelessly (I called her the 'energizer bunny' from the old battery commercial because she always was so ready to work for our kids!) to help students with hearing impairments improve their speech/language/academic and vocational goals.  Judy truly helped me to understand and think of new ways to mitigate the impact of hearing loss for students in our school district.  I will be forever grateful for all of her help and mentoring.  She will be missed!

Judy was a colleague in Salt Lake School District.  I greatly enjoyed working with her. Her smile was so contagious. Professionally, she was an asset but as a person, she was a delight.  We shared an interest in crafts.  However, one strong memory was learning when I admired her gel manicure only tobe told she did it herself.  Her nails were beautiful!  I am so glad I had the opportunity to get to know her better.

Momma, 

I miss you so much.  Your laugh, your smile and your endless talents.  I am who I am today because of you and I am so thankful for the life we had.  Your strength helped me to become a very strong woman and to raise very independent children who all shared a very special bond with you.  We love you and miss you so much!  Annie