Judy Kay Drennen, 71, lost her 10-year battle with cancer on March 20, 2022. She was born January 31, 1951 in Enid, Oklahoma to Paul and Irene Dildine. Judy was the oldest child to 3 Dildine children. The family moved to Del City where Judy graduated from High School in 1969. While in high school, Judy began her nursing career becoming a Candy Striper in the Children’s Ward at MWC Hospital. She then entered nursing school at St. Anthony’s Nursing School, graduating in May 1972. Many knew Judy as a loyal NICU nurse. Judy devoted more than 35 years of her nursing career to caring for newborns and their mothers at St. Anthony’s Hospital. She loved her Joyful Beginnings family and they loved her. Judy often acted as a teacher by sharing her knowledge with the staff but was also known as the ultimate office prankster. She loved to make her coworkers smile. Judy retired from St. Anthony’s in May 2020.
In addition to being known as an incredible nurse, Judy, aka Nonna, was the ultimate devoted sports grandmother. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandkids. No matter how cold, how hot, how sick she was or how far away the game, if she could be there, she was there. If she wasn’t able to attend in person, she found a way to listen to the game. It wasn’t uncommon for her to hit up 3 or more events in one day…just so each grandkid knew how much she loved them. When she showed up, she always had her ‘Mary Poppins’ bag with her too. It was always somehow filled with exactly what was needed, whether that be a snack, a flashlight, medicine, hand warmers or a hat to block the sun. She had it all.
Judy was proceeded in death by her father, Paul Dildine. Judy is survived by her mother, Irene Dildine; sister, Kathy Henn; and brother Steve Dildine. Her children; Jimi Drennen and wife Amber, and Jamie Alexander and husband Dusty. And of course, the light of her life, her grandchildren; Gavin Haines, Mackenzie Drennen, Brylee Haines, and Kaydence Drennen; and her step grandchildren Zane, Brock, Mallory and McKenzi Alexander. Her nephew Ryan Henn and wife Jackie, niece Kara Dildine, and nephew Clay Dildine. Plus, many other extended family members whom she loved endlessly.
They say that there are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live just a little bit better. This was Judy, her impact on all of us will last a lifetime.
Visitation will be available on Saturday, March 26, 11-4 at the Sunny Lane Funeral Home in Del City, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 31 at the Sunny Lane Funeral Home in Del City, Oklahoma. Flowers or donations to breast cancer research in her honor are appreciated.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunnylanefuneralhome.com for the Drennen family.
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