Judith (Judy) M. Wright passed away unexpectedly and prematurely after losing her fight with a form of Alzheimer’s disease. Born Judith Ann McCrocklin in Orlando, Florida, she was the first of three children born to James Walter McCrocklin and Elvira Dorothea (Allan) Cummins.
Judy was a loving wife and mother, avid gardener, talented cook, and true servant to the rest of humanity. She devoted every moment of her life to helping others, even while hers began to slip away. Judy is survived by her husband Frederick Woodside (Woody) Wright; her two children, Lara Wright Megless (Michael) and Morgan Wright (Maria); three granddaughters, Elena, Liliana and Clara; her mother Elvira Cummins, her sister Patty McCrocklin Bonarrigo (Frank); niece Margo (Corey) and nephew Frank Jr; and her brother Jimmy (Janee) along with several extended family members (cousins, grandnieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law) from the Allan and Wright families.
Judy graduated from George Mason High School in Falls Church, Virginia where she developed a fascination and love of Egypt and its ancient archeology. She graduated from the University of Chicago with her degree in Near Eastern (Egyptian) Archeology. After enrolling in a Masters of Education program at George Peabody College for Teachers (now of Vanderbilt University) she met her future husband, Woody Wright. They started dating the same month and by May the following year “it was good idea to get married.” Woody never did propose! They were married August 26, 1968 in Falls Church, Virginia. Their oldest child, Lara Katherine, was born June 30, 1971 and their second child, Morgan Woodside, was born June 7, 1975.
Judy was a convert to the Catholic faith in her teenage years. She cultivated her faith at the Newman Center on the University of Chicago campus and continued to pursue her faith during the years in St Louis. Upon arrival in Montana, Judy established her membership in the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, where she became an active and trusted member of the church. Judy’s first job after moving to Helena was with the Helena Diocese. She then started as a secretary for the Montana Health Department where she progressed to the position of Bureau Chief before leaving the State in 1994. She also followed her love of education by becoming a member of the School Board for Helena High School.
In August 1994 Judy became Chief of the Family Health Services Bureau for Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, a position she served until her retirement in November 2009. Upon her arrival in Carson City, Judy established herself at one of the local parishes, Corpus Christi. She became a trusted and devoted member of the church and served the parish until she and Woody moved to Kingman, Arizona after her retirement. Judy continued to support the community through her new local parish, now St. Mary Catholic Church. There she became a member of the Legion of Mary and was trained as one to give the Sacrament of Eucharist to those of the Catholic faith. She continued with this service until her passing. Judy was also proud of her role as a reader at Mass and enjoyed the opportunity to read from scripture to those in attendance.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Judy’s Funeral Mass will be held at the Sts Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church at 10:00 AM August 27, 2016. This is allows for her family and friends to make travel arrangements. Following the funeral Mass, there will be a small reception at the church. Donations can be made in Judy’s name to the four Riverside County Search and Rescue organizations (for exact procedure please email rperdue@riversidesheriff.org).
Judy’s family would like to thank the members of the four parts of the Riverside County Search and Rescue for the service and the California Highway Patrol officers who located her car after an extensive search. You will forever have a place in our hearts in gratitude for the service you performed. We would also like to thank all of the priests, staff, and faithful members of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Parish, Corpus Christi Parish, and St. Mary Parish for embracing and loving Judy over the years. Thank you for living your life as an exceptional Christ-like example.
“Love each other, forgive each other, and take care of each other. “
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Judy.
Tom Keegan says
Woody, Lara and Morgan, So sad to hear about Judy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom and Barbara Keegan.
Suzanne says
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and hope in God’s promise that soon death and pain will be no more. Revelation 21:4.
Jennifer Jost Linder says
Lara, Woody, and Morgan,
I am so sorry to hear about Judy. Please accept my condolences for your loss and know that your family is in my thoughts. I still have such good memories of dancing with Lara and the support Judy gave.
G Scott and Dawn Lockwood says
Lara Morgan and Woody
We were so shocked and saddened when we heard the tragic news of Judy’s passing. Our hearts are with you. Peace
Sean Lockwood says
Woody and Morgan,
A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept my condolences, she will not be forgotten.
Mary Holverson says
Mary Ellen Holverson and Matthew Cohn say:
Woody, Lara and Morgan. Our hearts reach out to you in this difficult time. We will always remember Judy as a beautiful, smart, woman with a wonderful smile. She will be missed and we are so sorry she has passed on.
Arleen Pabon says
Arleen
My deepest condolence to you and your family may your hearts be comforted during this time and may your hearts be at peace knowing another Angel has been taken home. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Erv & Carol Kent says
I worked with Judy at Department of Health.
Rest in peace Judy.
Carol
Juli Harris Moden says
Lara, Woody, & Morgan,
My heart goes out to you all – I have so many fond memories growing up in your house as well as mine! I will NEVER forget Judy’s homemade bread as long as I live – it was so yummy! Memories like taking me on your family trip to Glacier and putting up with us giggly girls to just spending the night and getting to be with your family was so much fun & comfortable! I am very thankful that I had you all in my life and made my childhood that much better! Hugs to you all – I will remember Judy with such warm thoughts & memories…my prayers are with you all.
Allen & Diana Richards says
Woody, Lara and Morgan,
We are so sorry for your loss. We both worked with Judy at the Montana Department of Health. We know you will miss her so much but hope you can find lots of comfort in your many memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Mary and Marty Mouat says
Woody, Lara and Morgan—-
So sad to read about Judy!!!!
With fond memories of past years and many thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Marty and Mary Mouat
Barbara Allen says
Woody, Lara, Morgan – when I saw the facebook status about Judy my heart sank. I was both relieved and so deeply saddened to hear that she had been found. I am so sorry for your loss. There are not words to express.
One of my favorite memories of your family was our annual Egyptian dinner at your house, drinking Cleopatra wine and all the laughter. I will hold on to that memory and cherish those times.
Paul Stahl says
She was smarter than most, politic, highly principled, and fun. She had a wonderful smile. She was a compadre on the Helena school board, and together with others, we established significant policy, made very difficult decisions, and changed the system for the better. She was someone I could trust. Unforgetable to me was her courage. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Woody, Lara, and Morgan,
I have so many wonderful memories of Judy, and will always treasure her friendship, as well as yours. She was competent, intelligent, organized, and willing to do what needed to be done, in the most loving and kind way. She was so trustworthy and could always be counted on. She embodies
“servant leadership”. She served the Lord by serving all of us. Blessings to all of her family and loved ones.