Sunday, May 19, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
In Loving Memory of Judith Helen (Lovely) Brabaw
OGDENSBURG -- Judith Brabaw, 83, passed away on January 29, 2024.
Judy’s life was one of boundless compassion, tireless dedication, and unwavering love for her family and community.
Born on April 25, 1940, in Ogdensburg, New York, she was the beloved daughter of Allen Charles and Helen Catherine (LaRose) Lovely.
Judy was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her vivacious spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Judy spent most of her life in the North Country, residing in Pyrites for 25 years and later moving back to her hometown of Ogdensburg.
Judy's professional life was a testament to her dedication and work ethic. She spent 33 years at St. Lawrence University, starting in 1969 and retiring in 2002.
Judy began in the Food Service Department as the Lead Baker before transferring to the General Kitchen. She was a proud member of her union, S.E.I.U., and served as steward.
After retiring in 2002, Judy poured her boundless energy into enriching her community.
She was a Life Member of AmVets-Posts 19 & 1997, where she served as secretary, and VFW-Post 2936, where she served one term as president.
Judy was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Binky Patrol, an organization that sends homemade blankets to children in need.
She loved to sing and dance and taught line dancing with the St. Lawrence Border Line Dancers from 2001 to 2011.
Judy had many hobbies, including camping and swimming with her family, and growing vegetables and flowers in her garden, where she loved to watch the birds and butterflies.
She was skilled in numerous crafts such as needlework, oil painting, quilting, macramé, and decoupage, and was a lifelong crocheter.
Above all, Judy's greatest joy was found in the love and laughter of her family and friends. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Allen C. Lovely, Jr., and her ex-husband Ceylon C. Brabaw.
She is survived by her partner of 22 years, Bob Brabant; sister, Sharon Lovely; her daughter, Jodi Rochelle, and husband Jeremy; her son, Ernest Brabaw, and wife Kristy; her grandson, Zachary Brabaw, and wife Amy; her granddaughter, Kasandra Brabaw, and partner, Meredith Marks; and her granddaughter, Katelyn Brabaw.
A celebration of Judy's life will be held graveside at Notre Dame Cemetery in Ogdensburg on Friday, May 17 at 2pm.
