Judith Irene Nagel

Judith (Judi) Irene Nagel, 79, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024. Though she lived the majority of her life in California and Nevada, Judi spent her final years residing near her son and his family in Fort Collins, Colorado. Known for her gentle kindness, wry sense of humor, and love of the Lord, Judi will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Judi was born on October 12, 1944, to Arthur and Rosalie Stanford in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As a young girl, she moved to California with her parents, brother, and sister, seeking a healthier climate. She flourished in the Golden State, graduating from Simi Valley High School in 1962.

Following graduation, Judi started her career and continued her education with college courses. She married and then had her first child Mark in 1965, followed by Keith in 1967. After her first marriage ended, Judi’s brother introduced her to Thomas (Tom) Nagel. He won her heart, and they married on September 24, 1971, going on to share 46 wonderful years.

Although they began their life together in Simi Valley, California, Tom and Judi later moved their family to the Lake Tahoe area. After raising Mark and Keith and serving as Alpine County Public Works office supervisor for 20 years, Judi retired in 2004. She promptly climbed on the back of Tom’s Gold Wing motorcycle for an epic adventure traveling thousands of miles across all four corners of the USA plus Canada. She still found time to be the world’s best Nana—baking birthday cakes and cookies, crafting one-of-a-kind gifts, and showering her seven grandchildren with love.

Judi was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom; her parents Arthur Stanford and Rosalie (Vokey) Stanford; and her brother and sister-in-law Hank and Donna Stanford. She had a loving welcoming committee when she arrived in Heaven.

She is survived by her two sons and their spouses: Mark and Melissa Nagel and Keith and Maria Nagel; seven grandchildren: Annalie (Will), Olivia, Samantha, Anthony (Megan), Courtney (Jonas), Elena, and Amelia; great-grandchildren: Anthony Jr., Nora Rose, Amora, and Arlow; her sister and best friend in the whole world: Jan (Ray) Spindler; and a host of dear family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the chapel at Good Samaritan Society – Fort Collins Village on Saturday, October 19, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Good Samaritan Society – Fort Collins Village, 508 W. Trilby Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Good Sam was a place where Judi genuinely felt at home, surrounded by good friends and caring staff.