Obituaries

Judith E. Avery

Judith Elizabeth (Sloan) Avery, 74, (1942-2017) of Westfield passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side on September 2, 2017. Born in Providence, RI on October 12, 1942 to the late James and Elizabeth (Friedrich) Sloan, Judy relocated with her family to Easthampton, MA, graduating from Easthampton High School in 1961. She was a 1964 graduate of Cooley Dickinson Hospital School of Nursing in Northampton, MA, where she earned her credentials as a Registered Nurse. Upon graduation she joined the Cooley Dickson Hospital staff and was later employed by Noble Hospital in Westfield, MA. While raising her two children at home, Judy served as a per-diem substitute nurse for Westfield Public Schools for several years. She later resumed her nursing career and was employed with Marian Center in Holyoke, MA until her retirement in 2006. Married on September 6, 1969 to Albert H. Avery, Judy and Al resided together in Westfield for 48 years. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Albert; daughter, Sonia Kulig and her husband, Christopher of Blandford, MA; son-in-law, Steven Knachel of Huntington, MA; along with her grandchildren, Felina, Alessandra, and Brandin. Judy was recently predeceased by her cherished daughter, Jennifer Elizabeth Avery (Knachel) in April, 2017, with whom she is now reunited. Humble in nature, gentle by heart, and gifted with a brilliant mind, Judy had a profound love for literature and learning. Her home, walled with books, she was enjoyed an array of topics including art, poetry, world culture, history, religion, science, medicine, and gardening. Devoted to her Christian faith, Judy was a member and Sunday School teacher at The Church of the Atonement in Westfield for many years.  A true humanitarian, she was a faithful supporter of of several charitable organizations for humans and animals alike. It gave her great satisfaction to help those less fortunate, and her compassion and generosity through nursing, community, and charity touched the lives of many. A visitation hour for Judith will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 1:30-2:30 p.m., followed by a brief service at 2:30 PM in Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. Donations in Judy’s memory can be made to: Westfield Homeless Cat Project: 1124 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085

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