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Date of Birth: December 27, 1945
Date of Death: September 15, 2022
Judith (Judy) Mason, 76, passed away on September 15th, 2022, in Glendale, AZ after an extended illness. Judy had a great sensitivity to those who suffer or struggle, whether human or animal, especially veterans, survivors of abuse, and homeless animals. She had many passions: writing, public speaking, travel, horseback riding, snorkeling, politics, shopping, active participation in her Catholic faith, and loving her family, especially her spouse of 38 years, Katherine (Kate) Worden, DO. Judy was born in Newark, NJ and settled in Lake Villa, IL. She earned a diploma in legal science from Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee in 1965, and her book of poetry, Why I Remember Yesterday, was published in 1978. She achieved a BA degree in Communications from Northeastern Illinois University’s “University Without Walls” in 1984. She worked for many years as a legal secretary, but also worked as a freelance writer, travel agent, editor, public speaker, speechwriter, and even served as the liaison between the Lake County (IL) Forest Preserve district and the governor’s office. She moved with Kate to Tucson, AZ in 1989 and later to Glendale, AZ. She was listed in the Who’s Who of American Women for 1989-1990. She was a hospice volunteer and was active in voter registration and various political campaigns. Judy suffered a traumatic car accident in her 20s that left long-lasting effects, both seen and unseen. In later life a severe case of Valley Fever caused other health problems including diabetes. More recently she underwent extensive treatment for breast cancer. Her own health challenges enhanced her compassion for those who were hurting. She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Mason and stepfather Richard Mason, her half-brother Charles, several cousins, including Patty Lee, Suzanne Philpot, and Marvin Mason. She is survived by her spouse Kate Worden and their beloved Yorkies Benji and Bindi. She is also survived by her niece Kelli (Steve) Almeida and their children Adam Pyron and Jordan Almeida; her nephew Scott (Kim) Philpot and their children Jacob, Ethan, Lucas, and Natalie; and her half-sister Linda Dermody and nieces Joy and Tracy.
Service Information
Memorial Service: Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 5:30-7:30 pm Visitation: 5:30-6:30 Memorial Program: 6:30-7:30 pm (live-streamed) Best Funeral Home-West Valley Chapel 9389 W. Peoria Ave. Peoria, AZ 85345 623.486.1955 To access live-stream go on Facebook to Judith Mason page on September 28. Live video will begin @ 6:30 pm local time (7:30 mountain, 8:30 central, 9:30 eastern) (If you are not currently on Facebook, you can create a free account at www.facebook.com using an email and password. Search for Judith Mason. This account can later be deleted if you wish.) Funeral Mass: Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:30 am local time (11:30 am mountain, 12:30 pm central, 1:30 pm eastern) St. Thomas More Catholic Church 6810 W Utopia Rd. Glendale AZ 85308 623.566.8222 To access live-stream go to: https://stmglendale.org/specialevents Copy and paste this link on September 29 @ 10:30 am.
Contributions
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary https://www.whisperingwillowsseniordogsanctuary.com/ Joyful Heart Foundation https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/ Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Or…adopt a pet in Judy’s memory!
My deepest condolences to Kate and Judy’s beloved family.
I got to know Judy on a very personal level and I will miss her.
I know she is in eternal peace and no longer suffering.
I look forward to attending her celebration of life.
God bless,
Tony Will
Kate,
May your lifetime of love and partnership bring you comfort even as her physical absence brings you grief.
My hugs to you.
Kate
So sorry to hear of your great loss, praying you will find comfort and peace in our Savior and Lord. King Jesus, the greatest comforter of all
Sending you love and condolences sweet Kate for your loss of your great love, Judy. I will be watching all services and sending my prayers and energy on to you from Tucson. Will look to see you in the coming months❤️
Wow. I had no idea that Judy had done so much in a lifetime. She lived her best life until cancer took her away from us.
Kate, I can’t say how sorry I am. There are no words. I love you, be strong. ❤️
Truly amazing , all the things Judy did in her life. So glad to have gotten to know her. I always enjoyed our conversations and how she she knew so much about so many things. We are so sorry for your loss Kate.
Kate, we are so sorry for your loss. We had no idea. We pray Judy went peacefully and you are doing well. Annie and Sue.
The joy that Judy brought to everyone she meet will be missed. When I was having trouble walking I did not need to ask who had pushed my trash can up to the house, of course it was Judy. Just like she did for all her neighbors friends and even strangers, she lived true christian values, seeing everyone needs and and jumping in to help without a word or want of credit. Her spirit, dazzling smile, and enormous heart is surely missed. Our angel is no longer silently suffering, she has taken flight to the open arms of comfort she so richly deserves.
Bless you Judy, as we have been blessed to have known you.
I did not know Judy personally, but I know from Kate’s sharing that she was an amazing person, and I am so touched by their love and commitment. My heart goes out not just to her especially, but to all whose lives were touched by Judy. May her many gifts in this lifetime live on!
Judy,
Monica, Fr Bob Heinz, Bill, Terri Shine, and Janet are coming together on Saturday to tell stories and remember how Judy touched our lives. She will always be remembered as a significant part of our Cenacle community. We laughed so much together and prayed together as well. Oh Jude, Finn aka Pete will also miss you. ❤️
An incredible woman, a remarkable human, and a beautiful soul does not leave us. Rather, that spirit lives on in and through us. Judy’s many great loves, passions, and steadfast commitments to the service of others will continue to be a legacy to countless others. May she forever be in our hearts and minds to inspire the same dignity, respect, and greatness selflessly shared with the world. Always in love and not ever forgotten. Ed and family~
Laughter is the first thought I have whenever Judy came to mind. I always looked forward to seeing Judy knowing it wouldn’t be long before I’d be doubled over in laugher.
I was blessed to be invited to spend a few weeks with Judy and Kate a year ago August and again this past Christmas. I am now all the more thankful for those visits.
I will be joining the group from the Cenacle this Saturday remembering the fun, laugher and spirituality we shared.
Judy brought richness to life for me.
Thank you, Kate, for including me in this winderful remembrance. Wrapping you in long distance hugs. May Judy know eternal peace, and your heart be comforted. Love, Melissa
Kate,
Dana and I are sorry for your loss of such a wonderful, kind and significant person. She has been part of our extended family for years. We can celebrate her life and times Wednesday. But we recall our trip to the United Kingdom when you and then Student Doctor Bob Devine taught OMM with me at the osteopathic school at Maidstone, Kent England. We all enjoyed getting to know her better then and the later journey for us all.
We were all blessed to know her and be your partner,
Sincere sympathy,
Bill and Dana Devine and familiy
While I did not have the pleasure of knowing Judy, these comments give a small window into who she was. My thoughts are with you. May all you memories make you smile and keep your live alive.
Hugs to you
Joyul memories of Judy go back to the 60’s/70’s when we met working at a wonderful law firm ini Miwaukee. I will treasure her friendship always.
Kate,
Both Marty and I are providing hugs and prayers to you during this time. Both of us met Judy and spent a short amount of time with her — taking away memories of joy and laughter. May she rest now in peace.
Kate,
What a wonderful life she lived. My family and I are in prayer for your peace and comfort in this very challenging time. We are sorry for your loss and thankful we got to know Judy. May your celebrate all the memories and keep her close to you in your heart always.
My heartfelt condolences to you Kate on the physical loss of your wife, Judy.
She will forever be in your heart.
I’ll always remember her courage, humor, trust and faith in God/Christ, and love of life.
The meetings and retreats at the Cenacle, visiting you both in Tucson, and events with the AAO….especially at the intimate gathering for your Fellowship Award.
May she Rest In Peace, living in eternal life with Our Lord in Heaven.
Kate thank you for letting me know. I am sending love and blessings to you and after so much struggling I’m glad that Judy is resting in peace. May the warm sun and soft breezes shine upon you and wrap you in love and energy. Angie
I am so sorry for this loss. She was a wonderful, caring person.
Dr. Worden, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Vera Kleven
My condolences to Dr. Worden and your family. My heart is heavy. You had such a special bond and love. Praying for your family. Sending you hugs from across the country.
While I never had the pleasure of meeting your dear Judy, I think of you both whenever I wear the earrings you gave me one Christmas, selected by Judy. I am so sorry for your loss. May sweet memories bring you peace.
Oh Kate, so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and love from Michigan.
Kate. My heartfelt condolences to you over the loss of Judy. Words cannot express or empathize with what you are going through right now. But know that you are in my thoughts and heart.
Kate, from the time of your medical education at MSUCOM until now I watched your love for Judy endure and strengthen. That love will be sustained in your heart forever and provide comfort and peace until you meet again. I will be watching the service from afar but know I’m with you in spirit.
Kate,
Thank you for letting me know about Judy. I know that you have many wonderful and comforting memories of your time together. I hope they bring smiles amid the tears.
Sending prayers and support across the miles.
Linda
So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Kate: Kristina and I send special prayers knowing based on our Catholic faith that she is in heaven. May God send you special blessings!
Dave & Kristina Parrack
My deepest condolences to you Kate. I remember: our vacations together where something always seemed to go wrong, but we laughed about it later; Our retreats at the Cenacle where she always had my back.
The last time I saw Judy was when she drove to Tucson to the ranch to visit with may daughter, Rachel, and me.
We had some great times and she will be sorely missed. Take care…the other Judy
Our deepest condolences to you Kate and all of the family.
Judy was a special friend and neighbor. She will be deeply missed.
Dave & Barb Gillies
I met Judy on a single’s trip 50 tears ago. We became great friends, traveling to many Islands and she came to visit me many times over the years. We understood each other and helped each other over the years .. We always said,,, we were sisters from different Mother’s .. I could not have had a better friend or sister. My heart is broken from your loss of life .. You will always be in my heart and thoughts. Be happy and fly high…. Love you sister always
Sending Prayers for Healing of Hearts and Peace of Mind. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Kate, my thoughts and prayers to you. That was a very nice memorial on Wednesday, thank you for letting me know. I was one of the downtrodden that Judy embraced and was my dear friend when I really needed one. I’ll always remember the weekend you two swept me away to Rocky Point (and our Scrabble game!). And when Judy made me laugh so hard at my baby shower that I wet my pants and had to go home to change! She was a true treasure and I was so blessed to be her friend. Love to you.
Judy was the definition of compassion filled with concern for others. She was an extremely well grounded person, strong in her convictions.
I had no idea that journalism was a part of her life experience or that she was a published author, very cool.
Judy will be remembered because of the goodness in her heart, her presence will be missed.