Judith Ann Howell

Judith Ann Howell was born December 30, 1957, at Murphy Hospital in Whittier, California, to Richard 'Dick' and Patricia 'Patty' (Scott) Howell. She passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at her home in Whittier.



Judy grew up in Whittier, California, and lived on Citrustree Road. She attended Laurel Elementary and Cal High. Judy was a breech birth (born feet first) which, at the time, resulted in doctors using forceps to move her into position. Unfortunately, this resulted in vital oxygen being cut off to her brain rendering her developmentally disabled. Her family provided consistent and unconditional love that allowed her to participate in a mainstream of socialization, and opportunity to attend the San Gabriel Valley Training Center. At The Center, she worked in a factory setting and later helped provide the nations first computer training for the developmentally and physically disabled. Her sister, Cindy, and brother-in-law, David, both worked at The Center. Her Father, Dick Howell, and David were instrumental in getting IBM to donate 10 System 32 computers, a trailer, and a teacher to The Center. The program is still successful today, training 40 clients per year. Judy was hired at Beckman Instruments, from The Centers FIRST graduating class.



Judy was a pure and loving spirit, full of joy, with a magnetic smile. She was unique and extremely thoughtful. She attended all the dance recitals, baseball games, tryouts, social gatherings and school functions for the French children, Jen, Ashley, Courtney, and Scott. Aunt Judy was their biggest fan-always fully decked out in La Serna, USC, and Boston Celtics gear for game days and sporting events. She was the loudest cheerleader and most avid fan-she stood out in the crowd so the French children could spot her. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her love and support was proudly shown-she bragged about her family to everyone, whether at Dicks dialysis center, to neighbors, or standing in line at Vons.



She and Dick were the star guests at Ashleys Masters Degree photo gallery in San Francisco. There were large photos of her in the gallery--the theme was Exceeding Expectations. Judy had to step up her responsibilities to care for Dick as his health deteriorated, and Dick had to rely on Judy for daily care, trips to Uncle Mikes office (their doctor) and the dialysis center. She kept detailed records of Dicks weight, vital daily routines for his care, and she assisted with medications under family supervision. She was a very active neighborhood watch activist in the neighborhood. In turn, her neighbors kept a careful watch over her welfare, reporting to the family any change in her regular routine. They offered kind hellos and assistance. She was walking partners with Cheryl and Gilda and made cookies and treats for the entire neighborhood.



Judy and Cindys mother Patty died on August 19, 2008. Dick died on March 6, 2013. Ashley moved in with Judy with King, a boxer that Papa (Dick) insisted that Ashley get before he died. Judy told everybody that she had a roommate and best friend in King. She cared for King and she maintained the house and Papas garden--a several hundred tomato crop kept in Papas honor.



Judy was very creative and talented in her needlepoint, blanket and pillow design. Her favorite stores were Joannes and Michaels. She LOVED Disneyland, bowling with her dear friend Richard, La Mirada Theater and all USC football games! She boasted of dating Richard Chung for over 40 years; she always said, Richard talks to other girls, but he really loves ONLY ME!



Judy was famous for her giftwrapping and cards. We always teased her about how much scotch tape she would use. She painstakingly decorated presents with hundreds of stickers, rubber stamps and artwork-it had to be special because to Judy we were ALL special! She always sent loving thank you letters and notes. She wrote thank you notes from our four cats and King. She made countless handmade blankets for family, friends, boyfriends, strangers and even pets, because she thought everyone deserved their own unique blanket to snuggle up with at the end of the day. And she was the greatest pen pal anyone could ever ask for, sending heartfelt notes to everyone from her next door neighbors to children across the country whom she had never met. All of these little acts of kindness were done out of unselfishness-not for attention, not to keep score, but to make us feel loved and feel special. Ill bet God has trouble opening her first present to Him!



'Jude', as she was affectionately known, is survived by her sister, Cindy (David) French; nieces, Jennifer, Ashley and Courtney; and nephew, Scott.



A Memorial Service will be at 2pm held on Sunday, August 17, 2014, at Hillcrest Congregational Church, 2000 West Rd., La Habra Heights, California. A reception will immediately follow. Private interment took place at Riverside National Cemetery, in Riverside, California.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whittier Special Children's League, P.O. Box 5061, Whittier, CA 90607.