Judith was born on June 1, 1934, of Vera Sullivan Smiley and Wallace Smiley of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She studied art at the University of Arkansas. Here, she met her future husband and the love of her life, Larry Joseph Girard of Paris, Arkansas.
Judith was known for her sense of style, her outspokenness, and her love of cooking, flowers, and gardening. She had a deep fondness for dogs, the newspaper (especially the weather), and all things red and sparkly (including a shiny crimson Jeep Cherokee she won at a Cancer League of Colorado raffle!). She had many friends and loved to socialize. When Judith wasn’t commanding the scene at a good party, she enjoyed playing bridge and Mahjong—and teaching others how to play so she would never lack for partners. One of Judith’s trademark talents was flower arranging, and she won many awards for her unique designs, often in the Japanese tradition.
For all of her adult life, Judith treasured her family—her singular focus and vocation. In recent years, nothing has brought her more joy than visits from her children and grandchildren (and grand-dogs!). Her sense of humor and willingness to speak her mind endured to the end.
Judith is survived by three children, Clayton Edward Girard (Susan) of Denver, Colorado, Cynthia Girard (Brian) Unwin of Roanoke, Virginia, and Steven Frederick Girard of Englewood, Colorado; two grandchildren, Kelly Unwin (Brian) Andrews of Morrison, Colorado, and Emily Unwin of Edinburgh, Scotland; and three grand-dachshunds, Frankie, Elway, and Payton. She is also survived by one niece, Sandra Mitchell Moriarty, and two nephews, Phillip Mitchell and Robert Mitchell, all of Owasso, Oklahoma.
The family would like to extend special gratitude to all of Judith’s caregivers at Someren Glen Assisted Living, Rocky Mountain Assisted Living (Milwaukee House), and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer League of Colorado or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Centennial, Colorado, on April 23rd at 11 a.m., with visitation at the Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary from 4-6 p.m. on April 22nd.
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