Judith Rhodes

Judy was born on December 29, 1940 in Waltham, MA to the late Bertha Read Jordan and James Victor Jordan (Vic). She was raised in Newton, MA. As children, she and her sister, Nancy Jordan Nye of Sandwich, spent idyllic summers in Wellfleet with their parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Judy shared her love for the ocean and tales of these happy, simple times on the beach with her own children and grandchildren decades later.

Judy graduated from Newton High School and Westbrook College in Maine. After college, she began her working life at Polaroid Corporation before her marriage to George F. Ganss, currently of Harwich, and the birth of her children. A loving and adored mother, Judy is survived by her children John F. Ganss of Brewster, MA; Heidi Ganss Harris of Park City, UT; Joseph A. Rhodes of Shirley, MA; and Timothy J. Ganss of Maynard, MA. While deeply mourning their loss, her children will always be grateful for the unconditional love and support she gave them. Judy often commented that her most important role in life was being a mother.

Judy and George remained friends after her marriage to the late Warren H. Rhodes in 1976. Judy settled in Wellfleet year-round with her children and fully embraced and enjoyed life with Warren in the quaint seaside town. An active member of the Wellfleet Congregational Church, Judy was known throughout the community for her thoughtfulness and interest in helping others. She bestowed thousands of handwritten notes and cards in her very distinctive handwriting to her many friends across the country every year. Generous with her time and talents, dozens of children received one of Judy's unique hand knit sweaters.

Judy owned and operated the Winterwood Bed and Breakfast in her 18th century restored barn for 20 years. Her guests were treated to her famous chocolate chip cookies and enjoyed her beautiful gardens, where she spent countless hours. One of her pleasures was sharing her perennials with others for their own gardens. The host of many lively dinner parties over the years, Judy's welcoming and nurturing personality and gracious hospitality served her well as Winterwood's proprietor. She was proud that so many guests returned year after year.

Before Warren's death in 2003, he and Judy enjoyed spending the winter months traveling with their golden retrievers. They also relished the times spent with their crew of old and new friends in Melbourne Beach, FL.

Judy will be greatly missed and never forgotten by her family and many friends. In addition to her children, sister and ex-husband, Judy is survived by her daughters-in-law Lynn Ganss, Jennifer Rhodes, and Alexandra Ganss; her son-in-law Rick Harris and her niece and nephew Betsy Nye Nordman of Sandwich and Jamie Nye of Wellfleet and their families, as well as many cousins and good friends. A highlight of Judy's life was becoming a grandmother (Nana) to Victoria Ganss, Anna Ganss, Jack Rhodes, Alexander Harris, Benjamin Harris, Christina Ganss, as well as Mikayla Forsyth and Jordan Forsyth.

A memorial service and celebration of Judy's life will be held on Monday, July 29 at 11:00 am at The First Congregational Church, 200 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy's memory can be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or www.alz.org/manh.