Patten & Brewer - Judith “Judy” Jane (Carter) Heath passed away on October 19, 2017 at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, with her family by her side. Her final journey was peaceful and graceful, as was her life. She is reunited with the love of her life, Robert Heath Jr, who passed on October 29, 1982. Judy was born in Oakfield on August 30, 1933 to Pearl Leona Smith Carter and Clair Alton Carter. Her childhood was spent in Oakfield with her three older siblings where she attended Oakfield Grammar School and graduated from Oakfield Community High School. She earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education at Aroostook State Teacher’s College in Presque Isle. Her teaching career led her to Presque Isle for two years and finally to Patten Primary for the last twenty six years of her dedication to making school interesting for her students. She put much time and energy into her teaching plans as she wanted to instill the love of learning to each child passing through her classroom. Judy met Bobby in 1955 and fell in love for life. They were married November 17, 1956. They made a happy home and fun filled life for their three children. Many adventures were taken and good times shared with family and friends which made priceless memories for all.
Judy served her church and community her whole life. Upon her retirement she devoted a greater amount of time to working quietly and diligently for the church and community. She was a devoted member of the Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, serving on many committees. An active member of United Methodist Women, she worked tirelessly on the luncheon committee, the yearly church fair and served as secretary for many years. She was a long time and very active member and past president of the Patten Women’s Club where she made many dear friendships. Judy was also a member of Aroostook Retired Educators Association, Maine Education Association, National Education Association, Order of Eastern Star, Wife of a Shriner Sunshine Club, Tres Dias, Happy Widows Group, Shin Pond Babes and Patten Housing Board of which Bobby was a founding member. She was a certified lay leader and an Ombudsmen Program volunteer which included visits to Mountain Heights Healthcare Nursing Home.
Judy was a loving, loyal and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was passionate about teaching children and serving the Lord. Being an avid reader made her a lifelong learner. She loved to travel, visit with her family and attend special events. She will be missed by many.
Judith is survived by her loving and devoted children, Lori Jan Heath Smallwood and husband Don of Buckfield Maine, Lisa Ellen Heath and husband Ron Dovzak of Flagstaff Arizona, Carter Robert Heath and lifelong friend Gregory Chappelle of Old Town Maine; Adored grandchildren, Ryan Daniel Guiggey and wife Elizabeth of Cottonwood Utah, Lucas Robert Noonan and wife Shawna of Harrison Maine, Jordan Seth Guiggey and wife Brandi of Mesa Arizona, Heather Marie Noonan Marsters and husband Douglas of Hartford Maine, Jesse Wayne Heath and Rumi Heath Dovzak both of Flagstaff Arizona , Hannah Bethany White Stevenson and husband Ryan of Sacramento California; Beautiful great grandchildren Ella Grace Noonan, Sawyer Heath Noonan, Jordan Claire Guiggey, Quinn Elise Rose Guiggey, Micah Carter Guiggey and his mother Katie Gale; brother, Robert Carroll Carter and Lorna Plourde of Berwick Maine; special and treasured brother-in-law and sister- in-law Wayne and Sadie Heath of Patten Maine, brother-in-law and sister- in-law Richard and Glennys Heath of Fort Fairfield Maine; several loved nieces and nephews.
Judith was pre-deceased by her husband Robert, her parents, her special and treasured mother- in-law Emma, brother Clair Carter and his wife Eldora, sister Nina Weir and her husband James, sister-in-law Ethel Carter, niece Cathy Carter Mellis and nephew John Carter.
Judy’s loyal, kind, gentle, gracious, helpful, witty and non-judging ways led her to many friends in her life time, some of which she has been reunited with and others she is leaving behind. Three precious and adventurous friends, Ellen Dickinson, Judy Smallwood and Doris Derespino along with her, were the Happy Widows and otherwise known as the Four Musketeers. Their lives became more closely intertwined after all being widowed. Together they shared happy times and many exciting fun outings and trips.
Judy was blessed with many angels of light in her life including these special angels; Sadie Heath, Debbie Heath Rooney, Sheila Weir Malcolm, Harriette Johnstone Dunn, Louise Lebel, Dot Susee, Marilyn Somers, Pat Violette, Eve Rice, Jean Tarr, Mary Willigar and Darlene Ordway.
The family sends special thanks to Dr. Martha Stewart of Houlton Family Practice, Woodlands Assisted Living in Brewer and the staff of Grant 4 at Eastern Maine Medical Center for the excellent care and compassion given to Judy.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held 11:00 am May 12, 2018 at Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church in Patten. Those who wish to remember Judy in a special way, may make gifts in her memory to: Stetson Memorial Methodist Church, attn: Sheila Giles, PO Box 680, Patten Me 04765; Katahdin Elementary School Library, attn: Marie Robinson, 805 Station Road, Stacyville Me 04777; Patten Women’s Club, attn: Terry Pettengill, PO Box 384, Patten Me 04765.
A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.