Dr. Judith Anne "Judy" Payne

Louisville - Dr. Judith Anne "Judy" Payne, 78, of Louisville passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020.

She was born October 11, 1942 in Louisville to Bernard Russell Payne and Evelyn Marie Wessel Payne. Judy was a graduate of Spalding University, University of Louisville, and received her Doctorate in Latin and American Studies from Pennsylvania State University. Judy began her career teaching high school Spanish in both public and private schools in the Louisville area. Judy combined her love of teaching with her love of travel, taking her students on trips to Mexico.

Upon completion of her Doctorate, Judy joined the Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies at the University of Victoria, Victoria BC Canada as an Assistant Professor, and quickly rose to Associate Professor. Judy was U Vic's first Latin Americanist, and she established a Major and Minor Program in Latin American Studies which continues today. She also served as Chair of the Department.

Judy was an active member of the Second Street Neighborhood Association, serving terms as Secretary and Vice President, as well as volunteering in numerous ways when the need arose. She was Chair and Co-Chair for 10 years for the Old Louisville Garden Tour. An avid gardener herself, Judy enjoyed working in her beautiful backyard. Judy also loved animals, and could often be seen walking her dog, Max. Judy appreciated the arts - theatre, ballet, orchestra, visual arts - and regularly attended performances and exhibits at Louisville's many venues.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 23 years, Dr. Bernard Thomas "Tom" Thacker.

Judy is survived by Tom's daughter, Erika Boland (Davis Sr.) and three grandchildren, Gerald Davis Boland, Jr., Grant Thomas Boland, and Eliza Katherine Boland. She cherished them, as they did her.

Judy was a loyal, lifelong friend: gracious, calm under pressure, and always willing to help any neighbor in need. Her dry wit and marvelous laugh could brighten up any occasion.

No services are planned at this time. A memorial for Judy will be a part of the Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour June 12-13, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Judy's love of the arts through a donation to your favorite local arts organization.

Ratterman Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Road, St. Matthews is entrusted with arrangements.

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

Published by Courier-Journal from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Judith Payne

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8 Entries

Keith Bube

October 18, 2023

Just remembering Mrs. Payne and sending prayers to her family!!

Brian Nolan

October 28, 2020

Judy was my Spanish teacher for 4 years at Providence High School in Clarksville, IN. We became friends after graduation. At one point — before Judy went to Penn State — I lived in Honduras for 2 year, and Judy and I would have lunch and speak Spanish together when I’d come back to visit. When I was getting my Master’s degree in Connecticut, one time I stopped by Penn State to visit her on my way to see family in Indiana. We lost touch with each other years ago, which I regret. Such a wonderful lady. She holds a special place in my heart. Will always be remembered. Peace to you, Judy. ❤

Mary Alice Lenfert Knott

October 27, 2020

I have very fond memories of Ms. Payne as my Spanish teacher when I was a freshman at Providence in 1973. Her smile was infectious! She loved teaching and her students loved her . . . She were an inspiration to many.
Rest In Peace, Ms. Payne.

Michael Engle

October 26, 2020

Ms Payne was my Spanish teacher at Our Lady of Providence HS for my sophomore, junior, and senior years. She was not only an exceptional teacher, she was a truly wonderful person. I still have vivid memories of the 1981 Spanish class trip to Mexico that she led. This world's loss is Heaven's gain. May the Angles go out to greet her...

Robert Harding

October 26, 2020

I was a Spanish student of Judy's in the early 1980s at Providence High School. She was not only an excellent teacher but a life mentor. I'll never forget the nice postcard she gave me when my dad was diagnosed with cancer that had the poetry of the Spain's Antonio Machado, "Caminante, no hay camino. Se hace camino al andar." (Walker, there is no road. One makes the road on which to walk). Later, after she earned her doctorate and then I did the same, we had a delightful report as colleagues. She was a special person.

Rose Grenough Nett

October 25, 2020

Dear Erika and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Judy and I were college classmates who both pursued majors in Spanish. It was a delight to reconnect with her when she and Tom came to Old Louisville where we lived for several decades. She was indeed a dear lady and will be greatly missed. Rose Grenough Nett

Joey Bacala Bennett

October 25, 2020

"We need God, not in order to understand the why, but in order to feel and sustain the ultimate wherefore, to give a meaning to the universe".

~ Miquel de Unamuno

Judy was my favorite teacher in high school and in life. She introduced me to one of my favorite philosopher, Miquel de Unamuno. For many years, I use to think that life in general is sad. She taught me that it didn't have to be sad as long as we continue to add meaning to it.

I wish you peace.

Joey Bacala Bennett

Keith Bube

October 25, 2020

Prayers to Mrs. Payne’s family. She was the Spanish teacher at Providence High School when I was a senior in 1975. She was so kind and accepting!! She will be missed! Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Keith and Tammy Bube

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