I've posted some pictures.

--Cy--

Judy was my first and all-time favorite mentor. She's the one who went out on a limb and gave me a chance by hiring me for my first "professional" job out of college. She helped build my confidence. The biggest lesson she taught me (without even realizing it at the time) was that communication and building/sustaining human relationships was the key to success, both with work and home life. Her brilliant mind, quick wit, and compassion made her the wonderful person that she was. Judy, you will not be forgotten, and I will always consider you my mentor...forever. Sarah

Judy and her sister Susan are my cousins. We didn't get to know each other very well when we were younger because we lived so far apart (N.M and N.Y.) After Judy and Cy were married, Judy and I began corresponding by email every now and then. I truly enjoyed reading her emails, the writing style was so beautiful and unique. Parts of those emails made me laugh out loud. I would leave them in my inbox and re-read them and enjoy them over and over. I felt like we were finally establishing that "family" bond.

HI everyone,

When I was very very young Judy came up to me and said, "Why are you hiding, Irene?"
And I said, "I'm afraid and cranky".
And Judy said, "Well, you don't need to be afraid because it'll get better" !
"AND since you are cranky then just don't speak to anyone for awhile, and you don't need to worry because it'll Always and Only Gets Better " !
"BUT you can talk to me Anyway even though you're a grouch because I understand, I get grouchy too !
Come on, let's play ! "
And Very Soon all GOT BETTER !!!

It's going to be a tough experience for all of us. I hope that tools like this will help us communicate in those quiet times when we are able. Thanks so much to my brother Jono and my son Gabe for putting this together so quickly.

Judy touched all of us, so I would love to hear your stories, especially since there was such a large part of her life that I wasn't part of, between grade school where we met, and 1999 when we re-met.

These last eight years together are very precious, and I will never lose them. That's what I'm hanging on to now... that and my wonderful family.

Love,

Dear Judy:
When I meet you, it was a tumultuous time in your life. I admired you for your focus on your kids and your desire to find peace and happiness. I was relieved to see you get stronger and look forward to a new community, job and healing.

Welcome to the Judith Morton Shuster Blog!

Over her lifetime, Judy developed strong friendships across the country. We wanted to create an online place where her friends could come together and share their stories and experiences with Judy.

So, if you knew Judy, and have a favorite experience you'd like to share, please post it here!

You'll find instructions on how to post to this blog here. It's easy. We do ask you to register on this web site. That helps us keep the automated spambots at bay.