Judith Irene Strong, our beloved 83-year-old mother, passed away peacefully at her home on September 14, 2023. Judy was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 29, 1939, to Harvey and Ethel Mullery. In 1970, Judy moved to California where she remained until her death. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Ethel Staton, and is survived by her son, Roy Staton (Liza), daughters: Joyce Bree (Kevin), Susan DeGeorge (Tom Plotke), and Valerie Fannon. Judy was proud of her five children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Judy worked for 27 years as psychiatric nurse, predominantly at Contra Costa County Hospital until she retired. Her friends and colleagues said "She was the sparkle in their lives." She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed many hobbies such as, billiards, crochet, dancing, gardening, piano, singing, painting, and traveling.

She traveled to all 50 states except Hawaii. She often flew to Blakely Island. She sailed on a small sailboat with friends around Costa Rica, she cruised Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the East Coast, and visited Mexico and Puerto Rico. However, her happy place to visit was the Philippines, she often visited our beloved family on the Tropical Island of Samal.

Her dearest passion was serving those in need. She opened her home to care for her disabled niece, Trish for 17 years. They enjoyed many adventures together.

During her retirement she served on the Board of Directors for Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence (DCAI). Mom was a warrior for those in need. At the age of 72, Judy and her niece, Trish were arrested in Washington DC while protesting for funding so disabled Americans could live independently.  I'll never forget her telephone call the morning she was released and how excited she was for fulfilling her civic duty as an America.  Our mother lived a long and enriched life. She is at peace with our Heavenly Father and our dear departed loved ones. She impacted so many lives and will be dearly missed.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, 9/30/23, at 2 PM at

Vaca Hills Chapel 524 Elmira Rd,Vacaville, CA 95687. Gathering for close family and friends at The Saturday Club, 125 W. Kendal St. Vacaville, CA 95688.

Yellow and turquoise were her favorite colors for flowers. In lieu of flowers, or you may make a contributions in Judy's name to Heifer International at Heifer org., serving hungry families for 25 years. This week only, an angel donors will match each dollar you donate by 3. We'll make triple the impact to serve hungry  families in Judy's name.