Judy Carlson Obituary

If you did not know Judy, you missed knowing a very loving person. Judy Carlson, 69, died Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Hartford Hospital with her family by her side.

A resident of East Windsor, she attended East Windsor High School (1965) and Southern Connecticut State University (1969). Judy was an avid hiker and cyclist, played guitar, wrote music and poetry, crafted wood designs, and loved animals and nature photography. A copy of Judy's poem "Peace" was presented to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by the American Friends Service Committee during a 2007 religious conference in Iran. Judy spent a lifetime advocating peace.

Judy worked 34 years at the University of Hartford, and in 1993 became the first woman in Connecticut to attain the rank of director of public safety. During her 15 years in that role, Judy believed that communication was the key to safety. She started a community service officer program and a bicycle patrol program and significantly enhanced training for both public safety officers and students. Judy received a Special Recognition Award from the Alumni Association. She retired in 2008.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Harry William and Jacqueline Maude (Smith) Carlson. She is survived by her brother, Gael William and his wife, Fran, in Maryland; by her sister, Karen, in Delaware; a niece, Jacqueline and great-nephew, William Everett in Pennsylvania; and nephew, Gael William and his wife, Jennifer, in Louisiana.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family Saturday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. at 32 Phelps Road, East Windsor, for a memorial social, and/or on Sunday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. at Judy's cabin near Granville, New York, for distributing the ashes.

Memorial contributions: Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 956, Manchester, CT 06045.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal Inquirer from Aug. 17 to Aug. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Judy Carlson

15 Entries

Bill AND Fran Carlson

July 26, 2025

Judy, you missed our 50th wedding anniversary bash. You would have enjoyed it except for the getting dressed up to go have a fancy dinner part. Life would be so much more fun if you were still with us.
One good part about getting older is that we are closer to seeing you again.
Love Always,
Fran

Fran Carlson

July 26, 2023

Judy, It hasn't gotten any easier for us. You are always in our thoughts. Our only consolation is our store of wonderful memories.
Can't wait to see you on the other side.
Love, Fran

Fran CARLSON

July 26, 2020

Judy, it's been another long year without you. Each time Bill and I have a margarita, or talk about our boating adventures, you are always the first person we think of. We still miss you and we are not alone. You left an indelible mark on all those you met.
Love Always, Fran

Brian Lehan

August 22, 2016

I will miss Judy's wisdom and unique perspective on modern life, and her willingness and ability to cast off the trappings of modern life and live a simpler, happier life in balance with nature. I will be ever grateful for her kindness and support over these many years and I will miss the conversations we had especially after she retired. Rest in peace Judy.

August 17, 2016

Judy was a wonderful part of my experience at the University of Hartford, and she will be deeply missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who loves her. With sympathy,
Gail M. Syring

Fran Carlson

August 15, 2016

To the sister-in-law, who was really a sister:
Judy we will miss you every day, but especially when the boat hits the water, or when we visit the cabin or when we want you to meet your new great-niece in Oct. We will make sure that all the future children in the family know who you are and we will wish that each of them has your capacity to love and be loved.
You worked so hard for peace on earth, I know that you will find it for yourself now.

Sarah Gerrett

August 15, 2016

I was saddened to learn of Judy's passing. When we worked in the same building at the University of Hartford, I would enjoy seeing her and learning more about the University. She had a difficult job being entrusted with the safety of the students and staff. She always rose to the occasion. She will be missed.

Terry Spencer

August 11, 2016

Am so saddened to hear about Judy's death. Judy was a wonderful person to work with, accomplished, honesty and kind. Enjoyed seeing her in recent years at University of Hartford gatherings.

Harald Sandström

August 9, 2016

I knew Judy when she was Public Safety Director at the University of Hartford and I was a faculty member. Judy was a true pro. She was tough, fair, kind, and considerate. When a student was in trouble, she stayed on the case with laser-focus, yet with remarkable calm. She knew faculty and staff by name. When we arranged campus events, she was accommodating and helpful to the max. She was admired by all who knew her. RIP, Judy. You are going to a place where your professional services won't be needed!

CAROL BOZENA

August 4, 2016

Judy was a lover of animals,music and nature. She was a kind and caring person. She left this earth a better place. She will be remembered.

Jeff Feldmann

August 3, 2016

Judy was a good friend of mine, from the first day we met at the University of Hartford. She cared very much for the university and the other employees. She also loved nature and loved her ( get away home ) in the Adirondacks. Her other friends and I will miss her at our "retirement lunches"....

Victor&Donna Luna

August 3, 2016

Judy left us too early. We thought we had more time to spend laughing, singing and sharing. But it was not to be. She was a dear friend, a kindred soul, a wise-cracking, straight-shooter. She was our Judy, and we will always keep a part of her alive in our hearts and our minds until we meet again.

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