Judith Anderson Shopf's Obituary
Judith Anderson Shopf, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, of Covington, died peacefully at home on August 4th, 2018.
Judy was born April 19, 1935 in Dalton, MA to John Gordon and Margaret Nightingale Anderson. She was graduated from Dalton High School and the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. She also attended Simmons College. Judy was a Labor and Delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital while her husband, Jere, attended Harvard Business School. She also worked as a Psychiatric nurse at DePaul Hospital after her children were grown.
Judy married the love of her life, Richard Jere Shopf, in 1956. As Jere served in the Air Force and built his successful business career, the two crisscrossed the country, eventually settling in Covington. Judy and Jere were married for 51 years until his death in 2008.
Judy was a longtime resident of Tchefuncte Country Club Estates and a recent resident of Christwood.
Christ Church was an important part of Judy’s life. She served in many capacities and on many committees over the years, most notably as an elected member of the Vestry, the Episcopal Church Women, the Caring Committee, the Newcomers Group, and the Gratitude Group. Judy created the Richard J. and Judith A. Shopf scholarship fund for students at Christ Episcopal School.
Judy was a wonderful friend to so many who will cherish memories of many parties and celebrations she and Jere hosted, the YaYa trips, the boating adventures, the infamous scavenger hunts, and of course, cocktails on the deck. She made friends with everyone she met. She was always thinking of ways to brighten their days; stopping at the Tchefuncte guard shack to bring coffee and cranberry nut bread to the Sheriff’s deputies working there or keeping her outdoor refrigerator filled with cold drinks for the workers in her neighborhood. She enjoyed spending time with friends, including her book club, the Hen parties, the Whiners of Country Club Park, the Widow’s group, and the Monday night Morton’s group. Judy loved traveling the world with Jere, spending summers in Breckenridge with her family, and recently visiting Israel, the Normandy region of France, and the island of Molokai with her daughters. She was a huge dog lover, enjoying the company of her many boxer dogs, including her beloved Ellie who ruled the house at her Christwood cottage and was well known by the residents and employees.
Above all, family was first for Judy and she passed on this value to all of her daughters. Judy’s children and grandchildren cherish memories of Christmas at Grandma and Papa’s house, annual trips to the beach, summer visits in Breckenridge, ski vacations, Mardi Gras parades, 4th of July at the Club, and long road trips all around the country.
Judy’s five daughters will dearly miss her: Leslie Shopf of Reston, VA, Laurie Page of Dallas, TX, Elizabeth “Betsy” Baker (wife of Joe) of Powder Springs, GA, Kristin Helfand (wife of Bill) of Houston, TX and Judith Graffeo (wife of Pete) of New Orleans, LA and 19 grandchildren. Judy is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Judith Johnson (wife of Russell) of St. Petersburg, FL and Jackie Bowman-Anderson (wife of Gordon) of Stanwood, WA.
Judy was predeceased by her husband, Jere, her parents, Jack and Peg, her brothers, Gordon and Alan and her son-in-law, Jim Page.
A service celebrating Judy’s life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington on Saturday, August 11th, at 11 a.m. Friends are invited to join the family at a gathering after the service in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the The Shopf Scholarship Fund, C/O Christ Episcopal Church, Attn. Bobby Cox, 129 N. New Hampshire Street, Covington, La 70433 or Louisiana Boxer Rescue.
Judy’s daughters are grateful for the love and tender care given their mother by Joy Austin who everyone adored and who was a blessing for the entire family.
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