She was born in Auburn, NY and attended Auburn East High school and graduated in 1963. She obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from the University of Buffalo.
She married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Richard Kotwas, in 1968 and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Judy worked as an elementary school teacher in upstate New York and then moved to Manomet MA with her husband where she was instrumental in helping him set up his dental practice and continued to work as the practice’s bookkeeper. The couple moved to Cape Cod and have lived in West Barnstable MA for over 40 years.
Her great love and devotion in life was to her family as a wife and as an outstanding mother to her two daughters. She was also active in the local schools as well as advocating for animal rights and volunteered with Grey 2K a greyhound rescue nonprofit organization.
She is survived by her husband Richard, two daughters Susan Kotwas Symons of Boston MA and Dr. Ellen Kotwas-Song of Montebello NY, her sister Sherre Greenbaum and brother- in- law Stephen Greenbaum of Wayland MA, two sons- in- laws, Phillip Symons, Jr and Mark Song, two granddaughters; Carolyn and Julia Song, niece and nephew Alia and Jonathan Greenbaum, best friend Joanne Robichaud, cousin Dr. Judy Karp of Baltimore, MD, her beloved dog Sophie, and countless additional family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held on October 27 at 10 AM at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Brewster MA to celebrate her life. Visiting hours will take place at the church from 11-12. Friends and family are welcome to attend the service and/or visiting hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Great Dog Rescue New England at www.gdrne.com/donate.
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