Judith Ann Gillespie

Judith A. Gillespie -- ‘Judi’ -- passed away on April 28th, 2017. Judi was a dazzling beauty. Her effervescent joy for life beamed through her smile. All who knew her instantly fell in love with her warmth, intelligence and humor. Judi epitomized that long lost chic of times gone by - best personified by the celluloid heroes of Hollywood’s heyday - alluring, vibrant yet also aloof. Judith Ann Machala was born Oct. 7, 1962, born into a loving Catholic family with 3 brothers and the second of 3 sisters. All proud Texans. As a child, Judi studied at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (K to 8) and Bishop Dunne High School (9 to 12). She attended Vanderbilt University on a full academic scholarship majoring in Russian and French, with an Archeology minor. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in 1985. After graduation, she moved to Rome, Italy, eventually returning to fly for Delta Airlines as a Flight Attendant. While working on a flight in 1991, Judi was severely injured putting a halt on her budding modeling career and foray into sprint triathlons. By now, fluent in 5 languages, she continued her adventure travels until the toll of countless surgeries -- over a ten year period -- led her to withdraw from public life. Judi continued her studies of ancient Egypt, archeology and astronomy. She became an active supporter of charities and environmental causes. Her passion to save the world’s oceans from overfishing, pollution and coral-bleaching was always at the forefront of her mind. Judi A. Gillespie is survived by her husband, Colonel King William Gillespie, USAF (Ret.) She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Frank Machala Jr. and Sara Zievert Machala. Her surviving siblings include: Mark Machala and his wife, Susan; Denise Machala Martelli; Tim Machala and his wife, Sherie; Charles Frank Machala III; and, Andrea Machala Rauch and her husband, Tom. Judi’s Funeral Service will be on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2:30 pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 310 S. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314 - (703) 836-4100. A Graveside Service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:00am. Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Alexandria, VA.