Obituary of Judith Jo Bloodworth

Judith Jo Bloodworth Judy Bloodworth died at her home in Olympia on January 11, 2013. Judy was a multi-year survivor of pancreatic cancer. Judy, born in Portland, Oregon on May 15, 1953, was the daughter of William and Betty Bloodworth. She lived most of her life in Portland, attending Hayhurst Elementary and Wilson High School where she graduated in 1971. Judy began her undergraduate studies at Oregon State University in Corvallis and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Studies from Marylhurst University in Portland. While at OSU, she became a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. Judy also trained with the Project Management Institute, plus received her certification as a Master Recycler. During Judy’s more than 30-year career in the telecommunications industry, she served in a variety of positions with Pacific Northwest Bell, US West, Qwest, and Century Link in Portland and Olympia. Her passion was customer service. Music was one of Judy’s great loves. As a talented vocalist, she was sought by her family and friends to sing at many important celebrations. Her family and friends will miss Judy’s “happy birthday” telephone song each year. Judy recorded her own CD, “Changes,” and sang in various choral groups throughout her life, including Portland’s prestigious Concord Choir. Judy’s inherent creativity was evident in her passion for gardening and her lovely, welcoming home. Judy’s lifelong interest in international travel started during her high school years when she toured Europe as a member of the Wilson High School Choir. Later travel included Mozambique, South Africa, Spain, France, Australia, and several trips to her favorites, England and Wales. She was involved with many charitable organizations and activities, and was a member of PEO and Portland’s Multnomah Athletic Club. Judy is survived by her sister Susan Tower and brother-in-law Denny of Black Butte Ranch in Oregon; her brother Bill Bloodworth of Portland; niece Trista Rodgers, husband Matt and grandnieces Kate and Sophie of Portland; nephew Bryan Tower and wife Amelia of Fort Worth, Texas; and Uncle Jack Bloodworth of Portand and Aunt Ailsa Bloodworth of Agate Beach. Her parents William and Betty Bloodworth and her devoted dog Tess predeceased her. Judy will be missed immeasurably by her extensive network of family, friends, and co-workers. Special thanks are extended to all of those who helped with Judy’s care in the past two years, particularly to Rick, Karen, and “Team Judy” of both Portland and Olympia. Celebrations of Life will be held for Judy later this spring in Portland and Olympia. Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Judy’s memory is welcome to donate to one of Judy’s chosen charities, the Oregon Humane Society, the Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, or the NPR Foundation. Sing on Judy! Please leave memories of Judy or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.