Judith "Judy" Hovanesian

Judith "Judy" Hovanesian, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, has gracefully taken her leave from this world at the age of 85. Born on November 8, 1939, in Kittery Point, Maine, Judy was a beacon of kindness to all who knew her. Her journey concluded peacefully on November 25, 2024, while residing at Spring Village of Dover, New Hampshire. Judy created a life full of cherished memories and profound connections. Her ability to embrace life and love fully was her enduring gift to all who treasured their time with her.
Judy spent many years working at Janco Corporation before joining her second husband George at his store, Hovey's Audio Visual in Portsmouth, NH. You would find Judy working tirelessly developing photos and trying hard to avoid the public as much as possible. She spent years alongside George in the store before closing it after his passing in 2007.
Above all, Judy was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Tracy Harmon (husband, Scott,) Susan Sarmiento (husband, Dan,) and Beth Gats (husband, Matt.) Her greatest achievement was nurturing her daughters and instilling in them the same sense of generosity, selflessness, and love that she effortlessly embodied.
A proud and persevering spirit, Judy took immense joy in purchasing her beloved homes on Wells Beach and Cape Coral, FL; a testament to her love both for the tranquility of the ocean and her desire to create loving, lasting family retreats for all to feel welcome. Her spirit found pure delight in the natural beauty that surrounded these homes, grounding her and acting as a spot to gather and host family and friends. Spending time with her family, sisters, brother, and friends were some of her happiest times, filled with laughter that resonated long after the visits ended. What Mom lacked in food at the house, she over compensated with pinot noir and a quick reflex to grab the check when dining out.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sisters, Beverly Morphy, Marion St. Pierre, and Susan Riddle, and her brother, Dan Higgins, who will forever hold her close as a pillar of light and comfort in their lives. In addition to family, she also nurtured lifelong friendships that meant the world to her: Peggy Sullivan, Betty Fadley, and Carole Sullivan who will always hold a special place in the hearts of her daughters. She also loved the relationship she was able to share with George's niece, Paula Hepner.
Judy was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Ryanne (partner Chris,) Amanda, John (wife Kim,) Ver (husband Derek,) Jordan (husband Cody,) Xander, Bode, Daniel, Bryce, and Grace. She also has 11 great grandchildren, Adelaide, Layla, Jamison, Ember, Leo, Copper, Kaiemi, Luke, Weaver, Oban, and Rhyze.
Judy was predeceased by her parents, Wilbur and Alice Higgins, her brothers Thornton, Alan, and Dave Higgins, and her sister Betty McLean, and her husbands, Robert Berube and George Hovanesian. Each of these losses shaped her, reminding us that every moment we share is precious and irreplaceable.
The family would like to thank the staff at Spring Village at Dover for a wonderful place for our mother to live for the past four years and Wentworth Hospice for their tireless care and devotion in her final time here with us.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to an organization that was meaningful to Judy. Pope Memorial Humane Society, popememorialcvhs.org
A memorial visitation for Judy will be on Thursday, December 5, from 5pm-7pm at McIntire-McCooey Funeral Home, 301 Main St. South Berwick, ME.