Judith W. Mead

Judith died peacefully in her sleep after a prolonged illness at age 93. She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Mead; daughter, Catherine Miners and husband Sam; and stepdaughter, Marge Mead. She is survived by her daughter, Julia Garratt and husband Michael; grandson Steven White and husband, Jonathan Lees; brother Hugh Scilley and wife Janis; stepdaughter Roberta Michaud and son Daryl Hanes, wife Josie and children Kaleb and Hanah; and stepdaughter Barbara Shultz, husband John and son Gus.

With a BS in Math/Chemistry and MS in Organic Chemistry, Judith had a long scientific career culminating as an engineering department head at Sandia National Laboratory. Judith has been a volunteer with the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History for over 30 years and a charter member of the National Atomic Museum Foundation, which owns and operates the museum. In 1992, she co-founded the Einstein Society. In 2018, Judith was awarded the much sought-after Maydew-Jeblick Award of Exceptional Volunteer Spirit. She served two terms as Board President of the foundation from 2000-2004 seeing the museum through 9/11 and helping with the move from Kirkland Air Force Base to its present location. Well-loved by the entire the museum staff, she served as a docent, regularly attended museum events and sponsored the Outstanding Student STEM Award presented annually at the Einstein Gala.

Judith has been a vital member of the First Presbyterian Church for 44 years. She served as an Elder and as Clerk of Session, Secretary of the Endowment Foundation, on the Pastor Nominating Committee and Music Director Search Committee and was a long-standing member of the Chancel Choir. She has also served on several additional Boards including the Albuquerque Little Theatre and La Vida Llena.

Travelling the world was Judith's passion focusing on archeology, history, ocean voyages, scuba diving, and culture. She made her last voyage at the age of 90. She was a member of Friendship Force an organization focused on travel and cultural exchange and served as their President and coordinator of journeys in the United States and foreign countries.

If you would like to honor Judith with a financial contribution, she requests that you support youth seeking a STEM education. Please visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History website via this link Donate ' Nuclear Museum. Click on "Donate" and in the dropdown menu select "Education"