Judith Claire Millar

Judith Claire Johnson
Millar
Judith Claire Johnson was born on August 14, 1935 in Chicago to Charlotte Lousie and Arthur Grover Johnson. Judy was the welcome addition to her older half sister Louise and older brother Arthur (Bud). She grew up in Evanston, Illinois and her childhood friends were her friends for life. Her grandchildren loved hearing that she played Varsity basketball for Evanston Township High School and was crowned homecoming queen her senior year. Judy went off to Knox College and was a proud Tri Delta. Her college journey was cut short when she learned she would be required to take additional math classes. She pivoted to a career as a flight attendant with United Airlines where she discovered a love for travel. She later transitioned to the role of VIP relations and customer care. She was one of the faces of United as a model in promotional brochures and billboards. Judy prided herself in memorizing all the names of her passengers on each flight. She had entertaining stories of serving famous actors, designers (she managed to score a date with Oleg Cassini), diplomats and even a famous mob boss. She met her husband Sandy through mutual friends and they married in 1965. Judy and Sandy had two children Matthew Millar (Barbara Turner) and Melissa Millar Fiorita (Paul). She loved playing tennis and paddle featuring a strong one-handed backhand. She was known for planning many summer soirees at the Middlesex Club. The Millar backyard was the place for many bocce and croquet games and endless baseball & softball catches. Judy was a reliable fan at all of her children's sporting events. Vacations were often spent visiting family at Lake Waramaug in New Preston, CT an idyllic locale that felt like "going to the country". Judy went back to work at Robestelli World Travel, Johnson & Higgins and lastly, Marsh McLennan. Judy surrendered her life to her higher power in the early 1990's and when she joined Noroton Presbyterian Church she began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that brought her an abundance of joy, peace and direction. She began a new chapter in her life in 2000 when she courageously moved to Cary, NC where she didn't know a single person but had a strong conviction that God was directing her there. She loved needlepoint, word searches and Law & Order. During countless walks around the lake behind her home she made many friends both human and canine. She was known as a dog whisperer and was asked to pet sit for numerous families. She served as a faithful volunteer at the Wake Med Hospital Gift Shop. She prided herself in being very independent and surprised her family by making the decision to move to an assisted living community in Cary. In 2023 after a "trifecta" of a fall with broken ribs, a stroke and a car crash, she moved back to Darien to enjoy her greatest blessing, her four grandchildren, Emma, Matthew, John and Lila Fiorita. She moved to WellSpring Village at Brightview in Norwalk in 2025. She cared deeply about people and that was evident in how she treated residents and staff alike. Judy was known to everyone by her bright pink lipstick, her contagious smile and laughter. She was also the fastest 90 year old walker/runner that most people have ever seen. Up until the end of her life, she still enjoyed dancing with the staff at Wellspring and even more with her son Matt. Judy made her way to her heavenly home in all its glory on January 8, 2026. The family is eternally grateful for the amazing and compassionate staff at Brightview, Harmony In Home Care, Constellation Hospice and the pastoral staff and parish visitors from Noroton Presbyterian who surrounded her with love and dignity. Her family was grateful to be with her at the end. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, January 17th at 2:30 in the chapel of Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Rd. in Darien. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make some meaningful connections with seniors in your community, who may be in need of friendship and a hug.