Diane C. Judd

Diane Christine Judd (Carter), of Upton, Mass., passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born in New Bedford, Ma., the daughter of George and Marie Carter (Sylvia).

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Larry Judd, and her cherished friend, Claudette LaFlamme. She is survived by her children, Cathryn Ste. Marie and her husband Peter of North Troy; and David Judd and companion Christina Nelson, also of North Troy; her cousin Beverly Sylvia of New Bedford, Ma.; sister-in-law Donna Darling and her husband Kenneth of Ellington, Conn.; sister-in-law Sandra Burkard and her husband Allen of Orlando, Fla.; her dear friend Sally Ferrante and her husband Tom of Granville, Ma; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; several Godchildren, and honorary nieces and nephews whom she loved like family.

Upon graduation from New Bedford High School, Diane attended UMass Dartmouth where she earned her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology and a minor in psychology. She then went on to attend Boston University where she earned her MSW in the School of Social Work. Her passion for people and for problem solving would be evident in every career she practiced thereafter.  She made lasting contributions to her colleagues and the organizations she worked with including her time as Director of Social Work at various institutions, her consultant work, managing Judd’s electric, her time as a Field Instructor at Western New England College, and the position where she thrived the most, with the Town of Upton first as clerk to the Personnel Board and then being promoted to Department Coordinator for Code Enforcement/Building Department. She was passionate, dutifully organized, meticulous in her methods and creative in her approach. Her work colleagues became family and their love helped her to heal and have a full life, following the death of her husband and through her illness.

She was a free spirit, with an eye for antiques and finding treasures on her yearly trips to Newport, RI with family and friends. Always dressed to perfection, she was continually mistaken for “sister” and “daughter” instead of “grandmother” and “great-grandmother.” She was a celebrated cook, pouring so much love into each recipe and dish. Your mouth would water for days just thinking about the flavor that awaited you.

She fought her cancer diagnosis, often quietly, with grace and composure. She spent her final months in the loving home and care of her granddaughter Deana Reardon and her husband Alan. She was supported by the amazing, truly angels on earth, nurses and doctors at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Milford, MA. The family would like to thank Dr. Alexandra Bailey and nurse Bridget (and the entire team) for their unwavering guidance and love.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 18 from 4:00-6:00 PM in the Pickering & Son Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton MA.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 19 at 10:30 AM, in the funeral home. Friends are asked to join for a luncheon immediately following the funeral service at the Upton VFW.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice