Judith A.
Waterman, 84
SPRINGVALE -- Judith Atkinson 'Judy' Waterman, 84, of Springvale, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, March 6, 20009, at Goodall Hospital in Sanford.
Judy was born Aug. 8, 1924, in San Bernardino, Calif., the daughter of Gordon Henry Atkinson and Katherine (Fletcher) Atkinson. Judy attended schools in Vermont, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Maine, including Deering High School and Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H. She also attended the University of New Hampshire for a semester before enlisting in the Canadian Women's Army Corp. as a private from 1943-1946, serving in Canada and England.
In 1948, she married Robert 'Bob' Waterman, who had just purchased the Douglas Hill Apple Orchard in Sebago. This was the first of many homes for Judy and Bob, who reveled in her amazing talent of decorating homes with her many 'treasures' acquired during their travels in the U.S. and overseas. Judy and Bob renovated homes in the Florida Keys, Arizona, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Cape Elizabeth, Sanford, Springvale, and Ossipee, N.H.
Boating was another of their interests and one of their favorite memories was piloting their power boat the entire length of the Intra-Coastal Waterway, starting in Key West and ultimately ending one month later in Portland Harbor. Her other interests included antiquing, collecting fine china and glass. Judy excelled at needlepoint and leaves many wonderful examples for her family. She was an avid nature lover who enjoyed bird watching. Nothing was more important, however, than the company of her family and close friends.
Besides her parents, Judy is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Bob; and brother, Fletcher West 'Punch' Atkinson. She is survived by four children, Gail Klahs and husband Wayne of Kennebunk, Ann Vermette and husband Gregory of Springvale, Gordon Waterman and wife diana of Shapleigh, and Nancy Waterman of Kennebunkport; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Jennifer St. John and husband Paul, children Grady and Eva; Peter Vermette and wife Lyndal, daughter Lena; Lisa Pacillo and husband Bart, daughter Eliana; Maria Vermette; Rob Waterman and wife Amy; Brianna Waterman; Derek Waterman; and Bethany and Janessa Klahs. Judy is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to visit with Judy's family on Thursday afternoon, March 12 from 1-2 p.m. at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Elizabeth A. Keating officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at Riverside Cemetery in Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family
suggests that memorial contributions be sent to:
The
American Cancer Society
New England Division, Inc.
1 Main St. Suite 300
Topsham, Maine 04086
or the Maine Audubon Society
20 Gilsland Farm Rd.
Falmouth, Maine 04105
Judith A.
Waterman
Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Mar. 10, 2009.