Judith Ann Harden

Judy Harden, 84, a longtime resident of Calais, Vt., died peacefully on Jan. 24, 2026, in Burlington after a slow decline due to Alzheimer's disease.

Judith Ann Harden was born Oct. 10, 1941, the daughter of Virgil "Pete" Harden and Pearl (Gill) Harden. She grew up in Mobile, AL, received a B.S. in psychology from Duke University and a PhD in psychology from the University of Chicago.

While studying in Chicago, she met Richard "Dick" Jenney. They married in 1969 and moved to California, where Dick became an early faculty member at the California Institute of the Arts.

After growing up as an only child with few family connections and losing her mother to cancer at a young age, Judy was especially grateful to become part of Dick's family, including his three children from a previous marriage and the families of his brother and sister, Peter B. Jenney and Betsy Jenney Basch.

Judy spent most of her working life teaching various aspects of psychology and women’s studies. She and Dick lived in the Los Angeles area for about 20 years, but Judy found it difficult to find community connections. When Dick retired, and Judy was offered a teaching position at Goddard College in Plainfield, they moved to Vermont and grew to love their rural life here, which Judy described as "simpler, less lonely, much richer."

Vermont offered beautiful places to be outside, where Judy pursued many of her passions: running, swimming, cross-country skiing, hiking, and kayaking into her late 70s. She also spent many summers in South China, Maine, with Dick’s extended family, where she loved to kayak and swim in the lake and the ocean.

Judy loved music, especially classical. She played the flute and piano when she was young and took up the cello after she retired from teaching. She would tell you she wasn't very good but loved working at it, occasionally finding moments of bliss and playing in a “band” with fellow cello students. Judy was also an avid knitter and quilter, and contributed a panel to the Aids quilt in memory of a dear friend.

Judy was a very spiritual person from a young age, majoring in theology before changing to psychology. She attended many zen retreats in California and later in the Hudson Valley in New York before landing at the Shao Shan Temple in East Calais, where she made many deep connections.

In retirement, Judy was able to pursue her interests in social and community issues, especially prison reform and working with women in prison so that their voices could be heard. She co-edited a book on women in prison with her friend Marcia “Mimi” Hill. She also corresponded with a few inmates and stayed in contact for many years with Teddy, who still considers Judy the mother he never had, crediting her with turning his life around and encouraging him to pursue a college degree while in prison.

Although Judy and Dick shared their house with many Maine Coon cats, Judy became a true dog lover in her later years. She was devoted first to her retriever, Lily, and then her brindled terrier, Bella.

In 2012, an exciting new chapter began in Judy's life when she made contact with a son she had put up for adoption at birth in 1964. They clicked immediately, sharing loves of music, dogs, and sarcasm, and they stayed in contact the rest of her life through weekly phone calls and many trips to see each other. Judy also had especially close relationships with her beloved niece Becky and her beloved step-daughter Karen, who provided loving support during her last years.

Judy lost her husband Dick in 2023, when she was already experiencing the effects of Alzheimer's. With the support of dedicated friends and neighbors, she was able to live on her own until a suitable place could be found for her to live. Judy's last months were spent at the Residence at Quarry Hill in South Burlington, where the loving staff did their best to make her final days comfortable.

Survivors include her son, Kris Knowles, and his wife, Christina, of Lawrence, Ks.; her stepdaughter, Karen Jenney Gaukel, and her husband, Ron Gaukel, both of Carlsbad Ca.; stepson David Jenney of Vassalboro, Me.; stepson Tom Jenney and his wife, Helen, both of Poway, Calif.; step-grandchildren Allison Jenney and Nicholas Jenney; Garrett Galstaun (Alli’s Husband); and Wyatt Galstaun (step great grandchild); and several nieces and nephews. Judy also leaves behind a wide circle of friends.

A green burial ceremony with close friends is planned at Robinson Cemetery in Calais, and a larger celebration for Judy is anticipated in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shao Shan Temple in East Calais, Vermont, and the Alzheimer's Association.