Judith Anne Delaney (née Hungerford) passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Calabasas, California, at the age of 82. She was surrounded by her two children and her sister in her final moments, a reflection of the deep love and connection that defined her life.
Born on February 15, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Judith grew up in the San Fernando Valley with her parents, Norman and Hazel Hungerford, and her sisters, Janet and Jeanne. As a child, she was a spirited tomboy who cherished fishing trips with her father. Her early years were marked by a sense of adventure and a natural ability to connect with others - qualities that blossomed during her time at Reseda High School, where she became known for her warmth and easy rapport with classmates.
Judith shared 42 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Richard Delaney. Their union was built on deep friendship, mutual respect, and a shared zest for life. Together they created homes that radiated joy and hospitality, places where friends and family gathered often and always felt welcome.
Family was the heart of Judith's world. She was a devoted mother to Matthew and Melissa and a loving grandmother to Jake, Parker, and Danielle. Her love was steadfast and tangible - expressed not only through words but through presence: showing up for school plays, offering comfort during hard times, celebrating milestones both big and small. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Jeanne; her nephew Jeff; her niece Jocelyn; Jocelyn's husband Terrell; and their daughters, Camille and Lauren.
At age 54, Judith embraced a new chapter by returning to school to pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She found her calling in supporting caregivers and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's and dementia. Her compassion and dedication led her to serve as Clinical Director of the
Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles - a role through which she made a lasting impact on countless lives. Even after retiring, Judith continued to lead caregiver support groups, offering wisdom and empathy drawn from both professional expertise and personal experience.
In recent years, Judith brought that same spirit of kindness to the memory care community that became her final home. Her radiant smile, quick wit, infectious laughter, and unwavering generosity continued to shine through. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, comfortable, and at ease, whether they were lifelong friends or new acquaintances.
Judith's legacy is one of love in action: quiet gestures of support, warm gatherings filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations that linger long after they end. She sparkled in every room she entered befriending everyone with sincerity and grace.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In honor of Judith's life and work, donations to the
Alzheimer's Association are gratefully appreciated:
https://www.alzheimersla.org/
Those wishing to reach out with thoughts, condolences, or questions are welcome to contact Judith's daughter, Melissa, by phone or text at 415-729-6018.
~ Judith's Reseda High School Senior Portrait ~
~ Judith on her 80th Birthday ~