Judith Johnson Brigham

Judith Johnson Brigham, affectionately known as Judy, passed away in the company of her husband and children on January 24, 2026, in Los Altos, California, at the age of 86. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Judy's life was defined by love and an enduring devotion to those she cherished most.

Born on December 31, 1939, in Oakland, California, Judy was the daughter of Lund and Laura Johnson. She grew up in a lively and loving household, alongside her sister, Jill and brother, Lund. From an early age, Judy's strong personality and active, energetic and compassionate spirit were apparent-traits that would guide her throughout her life and in every role she embraced.

On September 3, 1960, Judy married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Jack Brigham. Their marriage of 65 years was one of enduring affection, partnership, and mutual respect. Judy said that she "fell in love with Jack over and over again" over the decades, a reflection of a bond that only deepened with time. Together they raised four children- Bob, Brad, Lori and Lisa-whom Judy regarded as her greatest joy and accomplishment. Judy regarded family as her first priority, and she felt tremendous joy in being a mother, grandmother, celebrating the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. At her death, Judy was a grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and a great-grandmother to seven.

Judy found purpose in helping others heal. She served as a grief counselor with the organization Kara and later became the Chairman of it's Board of Directors. Her empathy, generosity, and ability to bring comfort to those in pain made her a guiding light to many. Judy cultivated many close friendships and enjoyed social gatherings and community involvement. While raising her children, she was an active member of the Foothills Tennis & Swim Club, and later in life spent many happy hours golfing with family and friends and having dinner and Sunday Brunch at the Los Altos Golf & Country Club.

Judy had a zest for life and a love of adventure. She delighted in traveling, especially to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii, where she created many lifelong memories of time spent celebrating with family and friends. A devoted animal lover, Judy shared her home and heart with six Shih Tzu dogs over the past three decades, three of whom she shared as service dogs to comfort those in need of their warm companionship. Judy's beloved Shih Tzu "boys and girls" brought her joy, laughter and comfort, especially in her later years as chronic back pain curtailed her once-busy lifestyle.

Although Judy's formal religious affiliations evolved over the years, her faith in God remained steadfast. She approached life with enthusiasm, and thrived on energy and action. She loved inspiring and uplifting quotes and poems, which she shared often with family and friends. Her wisdom, humor and warmth will be remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Jack; her children, Bob, Brad, Lori and Lisa; her sister, Jill; and her brother, Lund. She leaves behind a large loving family of fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love and devotion.

A memorial service to celebrate Judy's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, at the Los Altos Golf & Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to Kara Grief Support, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, or Humane Society of Silicon Valley.

One of Judy's favorite quotes, written by her grandmother Kate Crawford Snow, reflects her spirit best:

"Don't be afraid of anything,

through life just freely roam,

The world belongs to all of us,

So make yourself at home."