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BORN
1940
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Julia "Judy" Nixon Obituary
In Loving Memory
Julia "Judy" F. Nixon
January 27, 1940 - April 3, 2020
To watch the graveside service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKBcHaE5cZ4&feature=youtu.be
VISITATION
Friday, July 3, 2020
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Saturday, July 4, 2020
10:00 A.M.
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa
OFFICIANT
Rev. Kathleen Milligan
Trinity Episcopal Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
INURNMENT
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Julia Frances (Judy) Crowley was born in Palo Alto Memorial Hospital at 10th and Grand in Emmetsburg, Iowa on January 27, 1940. Her parents, Joe and Della (Schwartz) Crowley, and her big sister, Maryanne (Charles) Slagle.
Well met was an apt description, Judy was born with the Irish gifts of quick-wit and good natured “blarney” with an amazing memory for Irish limericks and music lyrics. She treasured school from her very beginnings, from St. Ellen’s Catholic grade school through high school and eventually graduate school. Emmetsburg was Judy’s “school” home from St. Ellen’s to Emmetsburg High School and Jr. College all in walking distance of her childhood home. A lifetime of learning included Drake University (Bachelor’s Degree), University of South Dakota (master’s in education, Psychology & Guidance) and Buena Vista College (Library Certification).
In the early 1960s, Judy married Bill Brennan. They later divorced. On December 31, 1982, Judy married David E. Nixon the Wedding Chapel on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. Dave and Judy were soulmates and best friends, and their married life took them on many adventures. They traveled extensively for music concerts, plays and musicals, museums; good places to eat and drink were always on the itinerary. Both enjoyed walking and jogging for fitness and both were active in the Annual Cancer Relay for Life that honors survivors.
Judy was a lifelong teacher/learner, teaching in Cherokee and Algona before returning to Emmetsburg High School, where she was the school librarian until her retirement. Her love of reading was contagious, and many people were fortunate enough to receive books as gifts from her. And, if you needed assistance with a crossword puzzle, she was your reliable source.
Judy generosity demonstrated her love of community with untold hours of her time and resources to community and church organizations serving those whose needs were greater than hers; including Iowa Lakes Community College, Monroe (MI) County Community College where Dave was the college president and Trinity Episcopal Church in Emmetsburg where she served as a Vestry Board member and active member of the Ministerial Development team. Recently as a Winter Texan, she and Episcopal Texas Trinity Church volunteers served on a Mission with Team Brownsville (TX) to provide food service for asylum seekers delayed at the border for legal entry into the U.S.
Judy’s nieces like to recall how she was an excellent piano player and a big music fan. The three nieces were always in awe of her “hipness” when it came to her record and CD collections, and she made the best mixtapes ever. Little did “the girls” (as she called them) know that during high school, Judy, Maryanne and their best friends made weekly Wednesday night trips to Lake Okoboji to see the popular (BIG-name) bands at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnold’s Park. She came by her “hipness” naturally.
Judy distinguished herself as an awesome wife, daughter, sister, aunt, Fairy Godmother, bonus mom, grandma and friend. Judy was the best dog mom in the world. From her first puppy, Dixie, to her two babies, Scarlett and Rosie, Judy was the original “dog whisperer” they said; treated her dogs like family. Some of her favorite things to do were watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and participating with Dave in the Little Yellow Dog charity auction event in Sioux City.
On April 3, 2020, following a two-week illness with pneumonia, Judy died at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville,Texas. She is survived by her husband, Dave Nixon; her bonus children Dave Nixon, Jr., Rick Nixon, and Leslee Maddy; her granddaughters Samantha Nixon, Jade Davis, Logan Davis, and Briyana Maddy; her sister, Maryanne (Charles) Slagle; her nieces Susan (Cary) Boyd and Peggy Slagle; great niece, Chloe Christie and her dad, Jason; great nephews Nickolas Slagle and Isaac and Liam Stone; cousins Michael (Kate) Wilson, Ute Wilson, Anne Hurlbut, and Elaine Wagner; The Dub Club ladies and the many, many friends she considered family.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Della Crowley; cousins, John Wilson, Dale Schwartz, Betty Hembree and Bonnie Woods; nephew, Karl Slagle; and niece, Ellen Slagle Christie.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Memories and Condolences
for Julia "Judy" Nixon
Laura Hanna
July 2, 2020
Mary and Charles-I came across this obituary and am sorry to hear that you lost a sister. This is a beautiful obituary and the video is a tribute to a life well-lived. I pray that you know friends, even from afar, are keeping you close in prayer.
Dale Miller
June 28, 2020
Dave, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jane, Simon, Emily & Lauren Pate
June 25, 2020
You were a one of a kind friend! I will miss our talks and glasses of wine together!
Cheers, Big Ears! Love You SO Much!
Bruce and Linda Scheid
May 23, 2020
Dave, Our condolences to you, your family and friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Your time together with Judy was a blessing to be treasured forever. May you find solace and comfort in your faith and with people who love you. God bless you and all the people you love.
Stacy Jenkins
May 20, 2020
I am so sorry! I have only recently learned of Judy's passing. I wanted to share some of my thoughts of happiness every time I think of Judy. The first time I met her she was checking out fitness clubs in the new area she relocated to in Monroe, MI. I worked full time there as well as at Monroe County Community College as a single mother supporting my family. Judy did not share who her husband was but mentioned that she just relocated to the area and as soon as she mentioned where she came from and where he was working I asked her if her husband was President David Nixon. We shared a smile and I shared with her how I knew. We would talk about remodeling and how she was adjusting to the area. We would discuss workouts and I hoped to be as half in her shape by the time I was her age. I was offered the opportunity to manage another fitness center out of Monroe so I would no longer be able to spend the time with Judy but I still worked at MCCC so I would get to see her on occasion. I enjoyed seeing her, spending time with her, and getting the occasional hug too!
Dan Schwab
April 26, 2020
Sorry to hear about Judys passing. My sympathies.
April 23, 2020
May the God of all comfort bless your family during this time of sorrow
April 23, 2020
May God bless and comfort your family in the days ahead
Margaret and Jason Leonard
April 21, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of this loss. Judy was always so sweet. Prayers to Dave and the family during this time of sadness.
Darmstadt, Germany August 1989
Horst & Karla Lochhaas
April 19, 2020
Dave, we are so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
We thank you and Judy for a long friendship.
Karla & Horst Lochhaas with Leonie, Uta and Judith
Barbara Liontas
April 17, 2020
My heart is broken. I have lost a friend of approximately 70 years who never forgot my birthday or
Christmas. To know Judy was to love her and her wonderful sense of humor. She was as beautiful inside
as she was outside. Because of Judy I was able to tour Ireland with her Emmetsburg friends. The world
is not as bright if Judy isn't in it. My sincere sympathies to Dave and Maryanne. Barbara Liontas Colorado Springs Colorado.
Roni Rouse
April 15, 2020
Judy you will always be my favorite librarian. You are a gem!
Mary Brown
April 14, 2020
Dave, I'm so sorry to hear of Judy's death. She was so welcoming when I moved back to E'burg. Judy was a regular at my Yoga classes and I so enjoyed her cheerful attitude and wonderful smile. Mary Brown
Summer 1989 Village East at Ocoboji
Uta Lochhaas
April 14, 2020
Dave, Ill keep Judy deep in my heart, always remembering the precious time at your house, the moments we spent together. She was a wonderful (host)mother for me, treating me like her own child.
Always thankful for this privilege.
May your memories carry you through this time and sustain you.
September 2013
Marcia (Eagan) Black
April 14, 2020
Marcia (Eagan) Black
April 14, 2020
Still in shock. What a gift to have known her, let alone be friends. God rest your soul, Judy.
Iryna Kolyada
April 14, 2020
Dave, no words can express, how sorry I am for your loss. I will always remember Judy as a kind and great lady who welcomed and inspired me with her joy for life and love for books. May the memories of her help you through these difficult times.
Clark & Linda Marshall
April 13, 2020
While we were never around Judy very often, and only through instances when she was with Dr. Dave, she always seemed to be a kind person with an outgoing personality. We are sorry to hear about her passing, and we are thinking about the family at this time.
Gregory Eichelzer
April 13, 2020
The classiest of classy ladies. I always admired her. The service and dedication she provided to our church and community is immeasurable. I will miss seeing her on my visits to Emmetsburg. May she Rest In Peace and I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Loretta Callaghan Greiner
April 13, 2020
The Crowley family and the Callaghan family were great friends--our parents partied, played cards, danced, and golfed together. The Crowley girls were babysitters early on. And we loved going to the Crowley house where we were treated to 7-up in the little green bottles. Della Crowley was our first hair-dresser.
We know Judy made an impact everywhere she went. God decided that now was the time for her to "hit heaven" with a "crash and a flash." God Bless all of you, as you miss one of your--and our--great cheerleaders. Know that we are praying for all of you.
The Callaghan and Greiner families
Duane and Margaret Twait
April 13, 2020
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Judy. She was a gracious lady with so much class. RIP Judy
Linda Lillevik
April 13, 2020
She was my first grade teacher. She made me feel like I always had someone in my corner.
Mike Shapiro
April 12, 2020
Im extremely sorry for your loss. I remember when you first met. Be strong.
Lori Puckett
April 12, 2020
It seems Emmetsburg will never be the same without our town ambassador. Judy kept us in touch with the lake at every season, and though memories of 1970 days as our librarian fade, Judy kept a visual picture of our town in words, pictures, and stories. This is why her life never fades but lives in each tulip, each story, and each wave. We'll never say good-bye, just see ya later, dear family friend. Love and prayers of comfort to Dave and the family.
Colleen Howard-Wahls
April 12, 2020
Judy was my high school librarian at EHS. What a joy to walk into her library see her smile at you. She always had a kind giving way to assist. We reconnected the past few years over our political feelings. I know when I go to the polls to cast my vote in November, she will be by my side reminding me of who my vote effects most. She will be missed by so many. May your memories of her make your hearts heal a little more each day. Blessings to her loved ones.
Linda Renze
April 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family. Judy was a lovely woman and will be missed by many.
Dave Nixon Jr
April 12, 2020
We will forever hear your voice Judy!!!!! An amazing blessing, enriching our loves then, now and forever! Dave Jr.
April 11, 2020
RIP sweet Judy.
Eric & Clara Mora
April 11, 2020
Dios se ah llevado a una persona tan buena y maravillosa,no hay palabras suficientes para expresar nuestro agradecimiento hacia ustedes, le mandamos de corazón un fuerte abrazo
Roger Riley
April 9, 2020
Dave, so sorry, when I saw Dave Jr's post. Judy was a true jewell! May God continue to give you peace that passes understanding!!
Renee Jedlicka Tony Stubbs
April 9, 2020
Dave and Family, We know Judy was a huge support to you, Dave, and you were an upbeat team--- making this all so very difficult. We see Judy coming down Lake Shore Drive with her dog(s) in her wind breaker. She'd greet us with her deep voice and she'd say not even two sentences and we'd be laughing. To us she will always be a kind, witty, intelligent, dog loving person with positive energy. We hope she's having a warm reunion with all her dogs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sally Jordan
April 9, 2020
Dave, I am sad about Judy's passing and offer my condolences. She was always upbeat and gracious. She will be missed by all.
Carol Atkinson Flack
April 8, 2020
I have many fun and happy memories of school days together with Judy. I am very sorry to learn of her passing.
Larry Loring
April 8, 2020
Dear Dave
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Judy. Judy was a classmate for twelve years. She was always top of the class, witty and fun loving. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your time of great sorrow.
Larry and Jeanne Loring
Tim Peterson
April 6, 2020
My favorite 1st grade teacher ever! I believe when we take our last breath on earth we also take our first breath in heaven. May you know and feel God's comfort and peace is this trying time Dave, for He is with you. God Bless You!
Vern Bienfang
April 6, 2020
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May happy memories sustain you.
Mark & Nichole Evans
April 6, 2020
Dave you have our prayers and sympathy in the passing of Judy. She was a very special lady and will be greatly missed.
Roger Pieratt
April 6, 2020
So sorry for your loss Dave, JUDY was a great gal.
Marcia Beatty
April 6, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. What a great person!
Our sympathies to you during this very sad time. Tony & Marcia Beatty
Bob and Linda Halverson
April 5, 2020
Prayers and sympathy to you and your family, Dave. A smiling gracious lady who will be greatly missed
Jackie Mann
April 5, 2020
To Dave and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear about Judy passing away.
We have some good memories of you guys and the few years we were in South Padre
Together. Know you are all in our thoughts and prayers, Roger and Jackie
Kim Heddinger
April 5, 2020
Dave and family,
I am truly sorry for the passing of Judy. She will always be remembered as the kind, sensitive, happy -smiling woman I knew her to be. God Bless you all.
Kim Heddinger
Keyron Paul Eagan
April 5, 2020
Keyron Paul Eagan
April 5, 2020
Keyron Paul Eagan
April 5, 2020
It was a privilege to know you, Judy.
Thank You, for all the excellent books that you suggested I read.
I will never forget you....every time I haul out the old Lionel Ritchie LPs or see a big red convertible Chevy with a white rag top!
Sam + Cindy Flanders
April 5, 2020
Sam + Cindy Flanders
April 4, 2020
Judy and Dave
You are such great friends since we first met in Emmetsburg in 1990
So many good times , laughs, and treasured memories of our times together
Judy will be greatly missed
RIP
Terri Myers Gagliardi
April 4, 2020
Judy was a great friend to my mom and our whole family. She was a ray of sunshine! So sad and too soon.
Jennifer and Guillermo Gallo
April 4, 2020
We have only known Judy and Dave for the past few months as we became new neighbors on South Padre Island. The moment I met Judy it was as if I had known her all my life. We didn't have much time together, but she somehow very quickly found a way into my heart. I will miss seeing her and enjoying her exuberant personality and love of life. Dave, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I cannot imagine the pain of such a loss. The two of you were lucky to travel through life together.
Maureen/ Joel Horsley
April 4, 2020
Dearest Dave n family,
Life will not be the same with out Judy. We are SO very sorry.
She was an inspiration to us all. She displayed open mindedness, grace, friendship, commitment, care, n a community mind. Her heritage rooted in "old town" Emmetsburg. Her Irish Crowley family- were original settlers along the Des Moines river in 1850's.
She was comfortable with us all n respected everyone regardless of place. Her mark is left on her students, all family, the immigrant children she helped, world visitors she hosted, our Christian Community, and indeed the world of friends- you both have shared.
We are SO very sorry. At these times of pandemic - we are a call away. Lean on us.
Her bright smile will glow forever in all our lives. What a LIFE WELL LIVED!
Tootsie n Joel
April 3, 2020
Dave we are so sorry for your loss and want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Judy will be greatly missed by all because she touched so many lives! We will miss her so much as she was not only the best neighbor but the sweetest and cutest little gal in Emmetsburg! Lake Shore Drive will seem so different without Judy walking her dogs. We are so sad and truly share in your loss, Dave.
Love and Prayers,
Jim & Kay, Matt, Whitney,Tyler and Delaney
Jean Eichmeier
April 3, 2020
Judy was a shiny gift to so many of us. I feel blessed to have known her. Judys energy and love for life was contagious and she modeled graciousness. I am sorry for your loss Dave. She loved you.
Mary Brennan
April 3, 2020
Sending our sympathies and prayers for all of Judy's family. May your good memories carry you through this time.
Laurie Siddall
April 3, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to you and you family Dave. Ill always remember Judys quick wit, infectious smile and care for others. May an abundance of memories provide you comfort and strength.
Laurie (Mileham) Siddall
Andrea Adams-Carr
April 3, 2020
Sadness at hearing this praying for Dave and all the Nixons
Jan Stillman
April 3, 2020
Dave, our sincere sympathy and prayers. She was a gracious lady always smiling and kind to all. Jim and Jan Stillman
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