JUDITH NEILSON

NEILSON, Judith (Rawle) Age 86, of Concord, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully, on June 13, 2025, surrounded by family. Judy, or "Bean" as she was affectionately known, was happiest surrounded by her five children and fourteen grandchildren. Her dinner table was endlessly expandable, her home was a haven for all who entered, and her grandchildren loved assisting her in her beautiful gardens. As one said, "We all were special to Bean. That's the essence of Beanie: she cared so deeply for the people around her… We are so deeply lucky." Apart from her family, Judy's greatest pride was her three decades with the Singing City Choir, a Philadelphia institution dedicated to peace and justice through music. For Judy, the transcendent power of singing with people from all walks of life was a weekly balm she knew the world needed. Born to Marshall and Theodora Rawle, Judy attended Miss Porter's School and Radcliffe College, where her lifelong love for choral music blossomed. It was at a choir audition that she met Benjamin Neilson; they married and settled on Philadelphia's Main Line to raise their five children. Though their marriage ended in divorce, their children remained her emotional center. Judy's professional life began in 1973 and was dedicated to helping others, first as a clinical social worker at the Women's Suburban Clinic and later as hospice worker and marriage counselor in private practice. She earned a Master's degree from Bryn Mawr College School of Social Work. In 2005, she retired to Concord to be near family, becoming an active volunteer and supporter of Open Table. In her final years at the Gardens at Newbury Court, she continued to foster community, always caring for others and appreciating the amazing care she received. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Jamie and Stephanie Neilson, Theo Neilson, Johanna and John Boynton, Alberta Neilson and Peter Mundy and Elizabeth Neilson, widow of her son, Marshall, who passed away in 2016; and her husband, Kip Curtiss. She is also survived by her brother, David Rawle, and his wife, Carol Perkins. Her fourteen grandchildren will forever cherish their Bean. Judy's legacy is her family, the joy of togetherness, and the music of lives lived in harmony. A Service will be held at First Parish, in Concord, on November 15. Gifts in her memory may be made to Singing City Choir, www.singingcity.org or Open Table, www.opentable.org For Judy's full obituary and online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com Dee Funeral Home of Concord 978-369-2030 Caring for families since 1868