Judy Gordon

Our beloved “Aunt Judy” went home to be with her Lord on December 7th, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.  She left her earthly life in very much the same way she lived it: bravely, peacefully, nobly, and on her own terms. We will forever hold her close in our hearts until we are able to be reunited in eternity. 

A memorial service for Judy will be held on January 13th at 2 pm at the Westminster United Methodist Church, 6001 Wolff St, Arvada, CO 80003. A gathering of family and friends will take place immediately after the service at the church. 

Judy Jo Gordon was born in Coffeeville, Kansas, and was raised for most of her childhood in Velma, Oklahoma.  She graduated from Velma-Alma High School in 1958, and entered Oklahoma City University where she graduated with a degree in elementary education. In the mid-sixties, she moved to the Denver Area where she started her teaching career while also securing her Masters in Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. She loved to teach and had a positive impact on countless elementary students over her 30 plus years as a teacher at Meadow Elementary in the Mapleton Public Schools.  In many instances, Judy had numerous second generation students who were the children of her former students. Judy valued education and instilled that value in her nephews, great nephews, her students and anyone who knew her. She loved to read and one of her guilty pleasures was the mystery genre. 

Judy was one of the most selfless humans that ever lived. Caring for her family, dear friends and neighbors was something that came naturally for Judy and she loved to care for her pets as well, having had multiple cats and dogs throughout her life. She especially loved to adopt her pets and had a passion for animal shelters. After retiring from her teaching career, she temporarily moved to Oklahoma to care for her beloved mother until her death in 2000, an opportunity she took on with joy and compassion. She was a resident and larger-than-life neighbor for over forty years at Sunset Ridge Condominium Complex where she made a point to meet each and every neighbor and greet anyone she encountered.  She truly never knew a stranger. 

Judy always loved to travel, especially driving to Oklahoma, Iowa, Ohio or Arkansas to spend time with family and life-long friends. She always was up for a good road-trip! Later in the prime of her retirement years, she took some amazing international trips with close friends to Brazil, China, Israel and Africa. 

Judy was always such a key part of every Christmas celebration of her nephews that losing her during the holiday season is painful.  We take comfort knowing she is at rest with her Savior and still cheering on the Denver Broncos no matter how bad the score might be!

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Bernece Gordon, and her little brother, Cliff Gordon. Those left to honor her life and legacy include her beloved nephews; Jason (Emily) and Scott Gordon, her sister-in-law Charla (Jerry) Gordon-Lindstrom, her great nephews; Broderick (Delaney), Addison, Luke and Levi Gordon as well as one great-great niece, Lyra Gordon and a great-great nephew, Elias Gordon. 

In lieu of flower, we ask that you consider making a donation in Judy’s memory to: Fish of Westminster, Reading Partners Colorado, Foothills Animal Shelter or Westminster United Methodist Church.