JUDITH HAKEMAN

On May 21, 2016, Judy Hakeman, age 71, passed away peacefully in Fresno, CA, 11 years after being diagnosed with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. While she was able, Judy led a rich and full life. She was an intelligent, educated woman who loved her family, enjoyed her work, and was active in her church. She had a servant's heart and was someone who could always be counted on to help. She was known for her love of baking, her sewing skills, and her interest in numerous other crafts and activities. Judy was born on October 29, 1944, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and was raised there by her parents, Laurence James Clark and Evelyn Adam Clark. After graduating from Ross Sheppard High School in 1962, Judy attended the University of Alberta where she met her future husband, Jeff Hakeman. At the end of Judy's sophomore year, Judy and Jeff were married and moved to Illinois for Jeff's graduate schooling. In 1965, they settled in southern California where Judy completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry at California State University, Fullerton. Judy then began training and working at St. Jude Hospital and became a Licensed Medical Technologist. Judy continued working in the lab at St. Jude for several years. In the midst of this, Jeff and Judy's family grew to include a daughter Sharon, and a son Darren. Judy loved being a mom and volunteered often at her children's activities, including being the team parent for soccer and making the most amazing team banners, speaking at career day, and donating delicious homemade goodies to numerous bake sales. As her children grew into adulthood, Judy was their go-to person for advice on cooking, shopping, party planning, relationships, and many other topics. Between 1973 and 1995, Judy and Jeff moved several times to follow Jeff's job opportunities, including three years in Singapore from 1990 to 1993. Each time, Judy was the one who quickly made new friends by plugging into the community and church activities. While in Singapore, Judy and Jeff lived their dream of traveling together and visited many exotic locations including Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Nepal. Judy leaves behind her husband Jeff; her daughter, Sharon Poore and husband Russell, and children, Austin and Hayley; her son, Darren and wife, Loreto Ponce de León, and children, Marcos, Gabriela, and Diego; her father Laurence; and her brother, Alan Clark. Judy's joyous and infectious laugh will be deeply missed by all. A Celebration of Judy's Life will be held at at University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E Roberts Ave, Fresno, CA, on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon reception to follow. All who would like to honor Judy are welcome. Those who wish to commemorate Judy may make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer's Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/judy_ hakeman.