Feb. 17, 1940 — April 15, 2024
Judith Norma Franco Bennett, born Feb. 17, 1940, died in her home in Ashland, Oregon, on Monday April 15, 2024.
Judy grew up in Chicago and raised a family in Midlothian and Island Lake, Illinois. She was a runner and a tennis player and was drawn to all things spiritual, taking up transcendental meditation in the 1970s.
Judy had an infectious joie de vivre: she loved telling jokes, growing flowers, and spreading positivity. She had a lifelong love affair with the Beatles, frequently sharing Beatles lore with her grandson Nate.
Judy worked many years at Rogue Community College (RCC), teaching math and Spanish, and serving in the Student Learning Center. A first-generation Mexican American, she was a champion for issues of diversity.
Judy had an insatiable interest in health and nutrition. The very day she retired from RCC, she got a job at Healthway Nutrition, selling supplements and furthering her knowledge of all things health-related.
Judy was a first-generation college graduate in International Relations, from Lake Forest College. She earned a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Chicago and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Oregon State University. While pursuing her Master’s, Judy spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, and London, England.
Judy is survived by her children Kurt (Kathy), Kim, Karla (Dave) and all her grandchildren: Kody (Sofia), Kaleb, Elizabeth (Michael), Gabe (Charise), Kassidy (Miriam), Nate (Anastasia), and Sommer.
She loved the saying “Duerme con los angelitos (Sleep with the angels),” and we rejoice that she is doing so now. For those of us left behind, she is surely reminding us to “Be the Moment” and enjoy every bit of our time here.
May 23 update: A brief Catholic memorial service for Judy Bennett, followed by an informal gathering to share memories, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home Chapel, 1811 Ashland St., Ashland.
Judy was raised Catholic and in her final years expressed a desire to return to the Catholic Church.
If you are coming, a call to 425-599-9334 or email to karlabennett@gmail.com would help get a count of how many will attend. The family says to feel free to forward this invitation to other friends or relatives of Judy’s. Call or email Karla Bennett Brunner (see above) with any questions.
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