Judy E. Windom

Judith Eileen (Heindel) Windom passed away on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, at her home in Boise. A memorial Mass to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boise. No graveside services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home. Judy was born on Oct. 28, 1964 to Robert and Lorna (Meacham) Heindel in Renton, Wash. She was reared and educated in Boise, graduating from Borah High School in 1982. She married Craig Windom on July 14, 1984 in Boise. They had two sons, Mason Lee Windom and Ethan Allen Windom. They later divorced. During and after high school, Judy worked as a master control operator at KTVB Channel 7 for several years. Her volunteer experiences with the Family Advocate Program and the St. Paul Community Ministries Center sparked an interest in social work. She attended Boise State University and graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in social work in 1987. She then served as a licensed part-time social worker and later a special education teacher assistant. A serious car-pedestrian accident in 2000 almost took her life, and the slow recovery process inspired Judy to return to BSU and secure a degree in special education. She said that she could identify with students who struggled to find the right words to say and who lived with physical and mental disabilities. After graduation, she became a special education teacher at Eagle High School. She loved working with her students and rejoiced with them at every accomplishment. Judy was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Judy was a true treasure. She was a thoughtful friend, a compassionate teacher, and a devoted mother who never stopped giving her unconditional love to her sons and the rest of her family. Although her life was short and sometimes difficult, she will be remembered for her ever-present smile, her infectious laugh, and her many kindnesses to others. She was a blessing to every life graced by her presence, and she will be greatly missed. Judy is survived by her sons, Mason and Ethan, of Boise; her parents, Bob and Lori Heindel of Boise; a sister, Debbie Asmus and husband Michael, of Mitchell, South Dakota; three brothers: Bob Heindel and wife Cheryl, and Mark Heindel, of Boise; and Jeff Heindel and wife Kelly of Eagle; her maternal grandmother, Violet Meacham of Mountlake Terrace, Wash.; 13 nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by a sister, Pamela; her paternal grandparents, Earl and Gladys Heindel, and her maternal grandfather, Harold Meacham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Idaho Food Bank in memory of Judy.