Judith M. Newell

Judith M. Newell

Buckland, MA - Judith M. (Sweet) Newell, 81, of Clesson Brook Rd., passed away at home on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 with her family by her side.

Judy was born in Cambridge, MA on January 2, 1944 the daughter of George and Marjorie (Page) Sweet.

On June 12, 1965 she was married to Arthur Newell.

She earned her degree in education and began her career teaching 2nd grade in Caribou, Maine where Arthur was stationed with the Air Force. His next deployment was to Japan and it was there that Judy taught nursery school to kids on the base. Upon moving to this area in 1978, she became a Title 1 teacher at the Hawlemont school and then later at the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary. Her last teaching position was at Mohawk Regional teaching 7th grade and retiring in 2007.

She loved the kids and was dedicated to providing them a nurturing and positive classroom. She developed strong connections with her students and their parents often continuing for years after leaving her classroom.

In retirement she was able to focus on her grandchildren and great grandchildren providing them her unconditional love and support.

Judy enjoyed traveling to warm destinations and embracing all they had to offer. She traveled with family, friends or college roommates on 16 different cruise ships to various destinations. She was known as a frequent sender of cards to family and friends for all occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, thank you's or just a simple note saying she was thinking of you. Always positive and very thoughtful. She loved to celebrate with people.

Survivors include her husband Arthur of 60 years, three sons; Paul and his wife Heather of Greenfield, Robert and his wife Bettina of Boaz, AL, Daniel and his husband Leslie Stratford of Turners Falls, grandchildren Justin (Emma) Newell, Sean Bittner, Katie (Derek) Woodbury, Alyssa (Henry) Rebolledo and James Nurmi, two great granddaughters Madison and Maeve, a brother Lawrence (Jamie) Sweet, a sister Shirley (Thomas) Schreiber, sister-in-law Mary Sweet, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved cats Shadow and Fluffy.

She was predeceased by her brother Robert Sweet.

Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Judy's life on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 2:00 pm at 451 Watson Rd. in Ashfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care or Franklin County Sheriff's Office Regional Dog Shelter.