Judith Dennis Jurden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away with family gathered around her on November 19, 2023, at the age of 82. She was known as Judy to most, Ms. Judy to the children she cherished teaching, and as Jude by her husband, Wilbur L. Jurden, of 61 years. She was born on June 20, 1941, in Puyallup, Washington, the youngest of three children of Melvin B. Dennis Sr. and Agnes Bruskland Dennis. Her presence will be deeply missed.
Judy loved learning. She received her education from Puyallup Public Schools and graduated in 1959. She continued her pursuit of knowledge by attending the University of Washington, where she earned a degree in Speech/Language Pathology. Later, she furthered her education at Seattle Pacific University, obtaining a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education. Throughout her career, Judy touched the lives of many. She began her professional journey by working as a soda jerk at her father's drug store in Puyallup. After her marriage and before starting a family, Judy taught English and served as a speech pathologist in schools in Guam and in the Netherlands. Her dedication to education extended to Bailey Gatzert Elementary in Seattle, where she played a crucial role in establishing the ESL program. As her children grew, Judy provided speech therapy services to students in her home. When they were more independent, she returned to schools as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher and Program Coordinator for Bellevue School District. She has had a positive impact on hundreds of children and their families.
Judy cherished her community and gathered people around her wherever she lived. She always knew her neighbors and called them friends. She was active in 4-H, her Pi Phi sorority, neighborhood clubs and organizations, churches, and schools. In most recent years, she was deeply involved in the Marrowstone Garden Club when she was in Washington, and she was embraced by her Arizona friends whom she met as she peddled her recumbent bike around the neighborhood. Judy was a fierce, dedicated mother and grandmother. In all that she did, her children and grandchildren were always her number one priority. She was there at at her children's every game, every school function, every swim meet, and every horse show. Later, she spent all the time she could knowing, teaching, and celebrating her grandchildren.
Judy Dennis Jurden leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of kindness and strength. She was survived by her daughter, Tresje Jurden Seeley, her husband Kevin, and their children, Sophia and Gabriel; as well as her son, Christopher L. Jurden, his wife, Alanna, and their children, Connor and Cassie. She will be dearly remembered by many.
A service to honor and celebrate Judy's life will be held on December 16, 2023, on Marrowstone Island, Washington. The compassionate team at Kosec Funeral Home and Crematory in Port Townsend, Washington, is assisting the family during this difficult time.
