Judith Marlene Reidman

On June 21, 1942, in Portland, Maine, Judith Marlene Bucklin entered the world in a way that became one of her favorite stories. She was born at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary—an unassuming beginning that later became a delightful twist in her life. When she began nursing school years later, that same building had been converted into her freshman dorm, and her room turned out to be the very one where her mother had given birth to her. Judith loved the poetry of that coincidence, and she carried it with her always.

She was the daughter of Chester Merland Bucklin and Arlene Vivian Hamilton, and she grew up on Vesper Street on Munjoy Hill, surrounded by cousins, neighborhood boys, and the salty air of Casco Bay. She also cherished her half siblings, Louise and Everett, who lived with her grandparents and were woven into the fabric of her early life. Summers were spent on Chebeague and Cliff Islands at a family cottage without electricity—simple, rugged, and perfect. Her childhood was lively and full of mischief. With no girls her age nearby, she played with the boys—cowboys and Indians, daring adventures, and once being lassoed by the “young brat next door,” who she claimed tried to hang her. She survived with the grit, humor, and resilience that would define her entire life.

Judith attended Portland High School, graduating proudly as a Bulldog in 1960. She was a standout athlete—foul shooting champion, captain of the basketball team, and runner up for Athlete of the Year. She loved to surprise people later in life, especially her doctors, by asking them how soon she could get back to rollerblading. Though she couldn’t swim as a child because bathing suits were made of wool and she had many allergies, she spent much of her adult life in a swimsuit, both for work and play, a fact that always amused her.

After high school, she attended the Maine Medical Center School of Nursing for two years before marrying Albert Verrill III. Together they welcomed Stephen Wayne (Diane), Richard Alan (Patricia), and Jennifer Verrill Schurman (Corey). Judith married Edward on September 15, 1990, and together they built a life rooted in community, service, and deep connection.

She was endlessly proud of her growing family, including her stepchildren—Timothy, Daniel, and Elisabeth Reidman, her grandchildren—Amanda Verrill, Ricky Verrill, Jessica Do, Rhys Schurman, Gemma Schurman, Hannah Ademi, Delaney Hill, Rory Kenney, Isabelle Reidman, and Finn Reidman, and her great grandchildren—Dominick and Carter Norris, and Vanessa and Valerie Do. She could frequently be heard sharing stories about their accomplishments and adventures.

Judith’s education was a lifelong pursuit. She earned an undergraduate degree in business and communications from Westbrook College and the University of Southern Maine, followed by a master’s degree in paralegal studies from USM and the University of New England. She believed deeply in learning, in bettering oneself, and in using knowledge to serve others.

Her career was as varied as it was meaningful. She worked in the Westbrook Recreation Department, overseeing pool and health safety for many years. She held roles at Unum and Duncanson & Holt, and she spent many years in real estate, continuing well into her retirement. She was appointed a Dedimus Justice by Governor Angus King, performing marriages, notarizing documents, and swearing in new notaries—an honor she took seriously and joyfully. She would offer her services readily and never charged for swearing in new notaries, as she truly believed in the power of “reciprocity”.

Judith was a civic leader in every sense. She was a proud member of Altrusa, a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Westbrook Women’s Club since 1967. She became a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary in February 2026, in recognition of her charitable giving. She served on hospital boards, chaired the board of Family Crisis Services (Through These Doors), led the library board, and championed countless community projects. She chaired the house project through Rotary for the vocational school—an effort ongoing since 1955—and was active with Friends of Casco Bay. Her service was not a hobby; it was a calling.

She loved Maine with her whole heart and lived there all her life, moving to Westbrook in 1962 and building her dream home there with Ed in 1990. She appreciated travel too—Quebec City, Munich, and Kansas City were among her favorite places—but she always returned home to the coast, the islands, and the community that shaped her.

Judith’s life was full—of family, of service, of humor, and of stories that grew richer with every retelling. She faced challenges with resilience, celebrated joys with gratitude, and built a legacy defined by connection, generosity, and love. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched, the communities she strengthened, and the family she adored.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday March 17, 2026, at Westbrook Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main Street, Westbrook.