Judith Ann Lord

It is with great sadness that the family of Judith A. Lord report her passing on Sunday 20 November 2022. A resident of Springfield, Massachusetts for nearly 60 years, Judith, or Judy to her many friends, died unexpectedly but quietly in her sleep at the age of 80. Although she struggled with the ravages of Alzheimer’s in her last years, she never lost her joy and love for life.

Born Judith Kearns in Chicopee, Massachusetts to Grace C. Richard and George F. Kearns, Judy was the youngest of their two children. A close-knit family, Judy’s brother, James Kearns and his wife Patricia, had been next door neighbors to Judy and her family since 1972. They often vacationed together, spending time in the wine country of upstate New York and an annual excursion to Atlantic City.

Judy graduated from Chicopee High School in 1960. Her career was in office management and worked at several local companies including Arco Oil and Gagliarducci Construction.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 22 years, Paul U. Lord of Springfield (1937-1985). Judy is survived by her two children, Thomas J. and his wife, Greta, of Springfield, and Michael A. and his wife, Judy Giuriceo-Lord of Dumont, NJ, and their two children, Olivia and Nathaniel. A doting “Mim,” Judy often traveled to New Jersey to spend time with and help care for her grandchildren.

Judy’s warmth, kindness, faith, and sense of humor drew many people into her circle of friends. None were closer to her than her friend of more than 50 years, Patricia Luksis, who predeceased Judy in 2020. From performing comic routines at their bowling league awards ceremony, road trips to Pittsburgh, and countless shopping mall excursions, Pat and Judy were nearly inseparable, supporting each other through times of joy and sadness.

Judy’s faith was unwavering. For decades, she was a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Cross parish in Springfield. When she said that she’d say a prayer for you, she meant it and you believed her. Quick-witted, sharp as a tack, and profoundly empathetic, Judy was a lifelong learner and possessed a remarkable ability to love, accept, and find the good in everyone.  Never one to live in the past or look back with regret, Judy embraced the present and always looked forward to a better and brighter tomorrow. Although she will be dearly and deeply missed by her surviving friends and family, Judy’s life and her light will continue to be present in those whom she has touched. Adieu.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Judy touched are invited to the Byron Keenan Funeral Home, 1858 Allen Street in Springfield, MA 01118 from 4-6pm on Friday 25 November, to reminisce, grieve, support each other and, of course, just chat. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 26th beginning at 8:30am from the Byron Keenan Funeral Home, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00am at St. Patrick’s Church, 1900 Allen St., with Rites of Committal to conclude at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Rd., all in Springfield.  Contributions in Judy’s name may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For more info, please visit us at www.byronkeenan.com.