Judith Bernice Steinway Haxton, born October 6, 1945, died December 23, 2015.
Judie was born into a loving family with two older brothers. Her parents were humble, hardworking, and loving. They already had two adolescent sons, Roy and Jerry and then by surprise was the light of their life, a beautiful baby girl. She was raised surrounded by her grandma, aunts, uncles, and her cousins on the San Francisco Peninsula.
She adored her mother Evelyn. Her father passed when she was 6 years old and that life changing event made her keenly aware life is short, enjoy every day and be practical. Evelyn being left to raise three children, was the source of inspiration in Judie’s life. How to meet life head on and move on. She met the love of her life Thomas Gibbs Haxton at Capuchino High School. A all-star athlete with a heart of gold. The love story began and in total lasted well over 50 years.
Judie married Thomas Haxton in August 1966. They settled and raised their family Zachary & Jason Kelly in California. They later settled in Montana after their kids were raised and where they spent the last 20 years living out a dream come true. A simple life, filled with nature, animals and dear friends.
Kindness for animals (specifically cats), kept her busy and her house full. She’d fundraise relentlessly and any stray she heard of kept her awake at night and a rescue mission was planned. No matter how far away, how cold it was that cat would not be left alone.
Her first grandchild was born in 1996, Alexander followed by her granddaughter Audrey in 1998 and Nana & Papa were born. They adored their grandchildren. She would reflect that this period in time is one of the highlights of her life. She loved to read, hike and spend time with friends. Details, were here specialty. She was loyal, stylish and had a fantastic sense of humor.
She survived so many unimaginable losses. That of her beloved, mother, brothers, son Zachary and Tom.. She however never broke. She never gave up. With wonderful care given to both her and Tom at the Cancer Treatment Center in Helena she passed peacefully at St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena, Montana on December 23, 2015.
Through it all, Judie remained upbeat, fun and a girlfriend to others of any age. Always easy to talk to and able to find the humor in most all situations. A true entertainer, able to cook for the masses effortlessly and entertain throughout the event. Loved by her nieces, friends and family for her quick wit and the cherished memories she created. So much fun, so comfortable, so real. Making everyone laugh, all the time. That is how she will be remembered.
Survived by her son Jason Kelly Haxton, grandchildren Alexander & Audrey, daughter in law Shelly O’Keefe Haxton. Her adoring nieces, Julie, Diane & Karen. Her loving cousins, Joan, Kath & Nan. Her sisters in law Janet, Laurie and John Haxton and the Meis family and countless number of friends that became family.
Judie became involved with the Helena Area Friends of Pets non-profit and joined the Board of Directors. She worked at fundraisers and clinics to rescue cats and reduce pet overpopulation; in lieu of flowers, donations in Judie’s name may be sent to Helena Area Friends of Pets, 2800 N. Montana Ave. PMB 179, Helena MT 59601 or to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A graveside service will follow the service at Foresvale Cemetery. A reception will take place following the graveside service in the social hall of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 31, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 31, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N, Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the memorial service
Thursday December 31, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday December 31, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 31, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 31, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N, Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the memorial service
Thursday December 31, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday December 31, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Helen Rietz says
I am so sorry to hear that Judie has passed. The animals of the world have lost a good friend. May she be at peace.
Debbe Pistoria says
Our profound sympathy for the passing of such a unique, interesting and creative woman. We have had memorable adventures working with Judie’s great love of cats. We had some super fun lunches Nancy set up and scooping pet food was always a great time!
RIP, you were a true warrior fighting against cancer and I will always remember your quick wit and sassy sense of humor. You brought us many laughs and time spent with you was a treasure.
Garry and Debbe Pistoria
Lisa Peterson says
The Helena Area Friends of Pets will miss Judie dearly. Part of saving animal lives is preventing overpopulation at the start. As a volunteer, and later as HAFOP’s President, Judie arranged for hundreds of spay/neuter appointments, successfully advocated for funding, and was a tireless worker at spay/neuter clinics. Thousands fewer dogs and cats were born in our area thanks to Judie’s work. We will miss her sense of humor, her passion, and her dedication.
Lisa Peterson
Helena Area Friends of Pets Board Member
kathie raunig says
What a class act Judie was in addition to her many wonderful qualities. She ran the race better than anyone I know. I have many good memories of our ten years as friends. Including us having lunch in her double hammock one warm day and me falling out and spilling my drink. But of course she made me a new one!
I miss you already my friend, but oh so glad I got to know you in my lifetime. What a loss it would have been if I had never met you.
Rest in peace beautiful girl.
Becky George says
So very sad to hear of Judie’s passing. The world will be a little less brighter with her gone and the animals she touched with her kindness were so very lucky. May her generous, loving spirit live on….and if it is indeed possible, I know she will be watching over her loved ones and all the lonely scared little felines out there.
Carol Bridge says
Judie and Tom will always have a special place in my heart. I met them as a volunteer in the cancer treatment center. Judie was so upbeat, always a smile even when things weren’t great. Her open and honesty about life and death were admirable. I am sure her feline friends will miss her so much as we all will. May your memories always offer you comfort and know she is always with you. Blessings, love and light Carol Bridge, Volunteer in the cancer treatment center.
Marie Francis says
Judie willl always have a special place in our hearts.What a gentle and kind person.
Sincerely,
Marie and Jason Francis
Maureen and Rusty Redfield says
Neighbors will miss the lights on the hill in “Judie’s castle”
We always knew that we would be greeted by a friendly smile.
When help was offered they expressed their thanks, but ” wanted to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible”.
Kelly, Shelly, Alex, and Audrey may you remember these two people in the ways they chose to live a happy life.
Maria Hanson says
What a special lady Judie was! I had the privilege of meeting her when I moved to Helena about 13 years ago. I worked under her fine leadership for Artbeats. She always amazed me with her vibrant and positive attitude no matter what life was throwing her way. She was an example of how to live life to it’s fullest. I will miss her bright light in Helena, but will count myself blessed to know a beautiful soul during her time on earth. Rest in peace, Judie! May her family find comfort for today and the days ahead.
av Coyle says
We in Corralitos/Watsonville have learned of Judie’s death, and with all her Helena friends we extend our condolences to you, Kelly and Shelly, Alex and Audrey. She and Tom loved you and Zach with all their hearts and treasured every moment they could spend with you.
And I treasure Judie’s friendship, the many, many laughs and adventures we shared, the serious and ridiculous moments, the hikes, the rescues, those dozens and dozens of chickens …. every bit of life with Judie. I believe that Judie is free and at peace now with her beloved Tom and Zach, and wherever that Rainbow Bridge is, Judie has crossed over it into the ecstatic welcome of all the creatures who loved her, too.
With love,
av
Marshall Carpenter says
Marshall Carpenter here. I succeeded Joooooooods as Admin. to the Principal at Soquel High School, in Santa Cruz. Not a thing gave me more pleasure. I recall her saying to me; “Oh, Marshall you will be a ‘hot dog’ and good for Soquel.” I retained the position for sixteen years and retired in 2009 with 25 years of service. Miss Steinway was always with me on the post daily…..her cavalier approach to public school I carried to my end – she was right. ? Great spirit, Kelly. She was the best! Great parents you had, indeed. ❤️