Judith Syftestad
May 5, 1938 - November 28, 2021
Carmichael, California - Judith Gayle Syftestad, 83, of Carmichael, California, passed away peacefully November 28, 2021. Judy was born May 5, 1938 to Everett Dean Cross and Elizabeth Clyde (Dean) Cross in Sacramento, California.
Judy was a lifelong Sacramento resident, attending Crocker Elementary, California Junior High, and McClatchy High Schools. She then attended Sacramento State University, earning a BA in Elementary Education in 1960.
Judy married her husband of 52 years, Robert Emil Syftestad, in 1960, after they met in a mixed doubles bowling league. She briefly began her teaching career before taking a break to raise their three children, Brian, Pam and Greg. She returned to the classroom in 1970 as a substitute teacher in the San Juan Unified School District. In 1978 she became a full time teacher at Green Oaks Elementary School, where she taught both first and second grade classes, and retired in 2002. Judy loved her students as well as the camaraderie and lasting friendships with her fellow Green Oaks teachers.
In addition to raising her family and teaching, Judy enjoyed many years of family camping trips to Union Valley and boating trips on Folsom Lake, as well as hiking and relaxing at their mountain cabin near Echo Summit. She was a gifted seamstress, a Sacramento Jazz Festival devotee, and a loyal Sacramento Kings fan. Judy was a longtime member of Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, and she left a generational legacy of service and faithfulness to her Lord Jesus Christ.
Judy was also a loving and devoted grandmother, and took great pride and joy in her eight grandchildren – from playing their favorite games, to cheering them on at sporting events and school performances, to attending their high school and college graduations, to dancing at their weddings - they enriched her life, and she enriched theirs.
Judy leaves behind her sons Brian Syftestad (Joyce) of Carmichael and Greg Syftestad (Christie) of Roseville, daughter Pam Syftestad Smith (Rick) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Everett and Elizabeth Cross, her husband Robert Syftestad, her brother Russell Cross and sister Patricia Cross.
Judy will be laid to rest at East Lawn Sierra Hills Memorial Park in Sacramento in a private burial service. Donations may be made in Judy's honor to Fair Oaks Church in Fair Oaks, California (fairoaks.church), or to the charity of your choice.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Dec. 5, 2021.

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