Judith "Judy" Patch

Judith "Judy" (Florentine) Patch

Judith (Judy) Frances Florentine Patch passed on February 4, 2023 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was 79 years old.

Judy was born in Miami, Florida on February 7, 1943 to parents Joseph Fletcher Florentine and Tirzah Jane Patterson Florentine. She and her parents later moved to Worthington, Minnesota where her brother Jeffry Florentine and Sister Tirzah Jo Florentine (TJ) were born. Soon they moved to Huron, South Dakota. Judy talked fondly of her childhood years with her siblings. Ice skating on the pond that froze over near their home every winter, their grandmother's home and their loving father. She went on to graduate from Huron Senior High School in 1961. Shortly thereafter, she started exploring the world around her and taking every chance to enjoy life and its beauty.

Judy found her way to California where she met Donald Patch and was swept off her feet. They married in December of 1971 and continued to reside in California. Judy gained countless close friends there, many of whom she kept in touch with until the end. She worked hard alongside her husband, building their lives and businesses. During this time, Judy also fostered her musical and artistic abilities. Her passion for music and singing took her all over California, learning, singing and playing. Judy also loved learning and furthered her education while living there. She graduated in 2002 from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and in 2007 earned a Master of Arts from California State University.

In the mid 2000's, Judy moved to Nacogdoches, Texas and set about working with the Humane Society of Nacogdoches County. She was deeply dedicated to her work with animals and their humans to make their lives better.

Judy's love and passion for life were evident from the day she graced this earth until she took her last breath. She played many musical instruments and joyfully sang every chance she had, especially in her church choir. Her love of poetry and writing were just as strong as her love of music and they are her legacy to the future. Judy was well-read, well-versed and well-loved. She will be missed by all.

Judy is survived by her brother, Jeffry (Yaki) Florentine of Nacogdoches, Texas, sister, Tirzah Florentine of Arvada, Colorado; nephew Joseph Florentine Rusin of Conifer, Colorado, and beloved pets, Elvie and Mister.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Tirzah Florentine and niece Natalie Florentine.

A Memorial Service will be held at Austin Heights Baptist Church on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 3pm.

If you are unable to attend, the service will be recorded and later hosted on Austin Heights' website and Facebook page.

In remembrance of her life, donations may be made in Judy's name to the Humane Society of Nacogdoches County.