Judy Ellen Lindstrom

Judy Lindstrom, 81, of Fort Mill, SC, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025. Born in Geneva, New York on January 17, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy (Austin) Brown and Dan E. Waite. Judy carried a remarkable heritage as a direct descendant of Stephen F. Austin, the pioneering leader who shaped the roots of Austin, Texas.
Judy lived a life full of energy, laughter, deep connection, and unforgettable spark. She was sharp-minded, fast-talking, fast-walking, and never without a story. A true firecracker, extroverted, fun-loving, and someone who lit up every room she entered.
Her work life was as diverse and spirited as she was. Judy spent years in administrative and clerical positions, served as a Court Clerk for the Town of Sheridan, and later moved to Celoron where she proudly advocated for the naming of Lucille Ball Memorial Park. In the late 1980s she moved to the Carolinas and Florida, earning her Real Estate License in both states. She later returned to South Carolina to be closer to her grandchildren, who were the joy of her world.
Her passions were bright and bold, NASCAR, baseball, fast cars, sunshine, palm trees, pizza, and especially her beloved Labrador retrievers. She met Dale Earnhardt, joined many NASCAR pools as "Judy the NASCAR Beauty," and loved cheering for her Buffalo Bills. Most of all, she loved watching her grandchildren grow, celebrating every step of their lives.
Judy leaves behind her caring & loving husband of 39 years, Richard "Rich" Lindstrom, and the family she loved fiercely and forever, including five children, Donna Wright (Tom Kern) of Gruene, TX, Scott Smith (Karen) of Pineville, NC, Peter Smith (Tania) of Forestville, NY, Todd Smith (RoseAngela) of Stuart, FL, and Ryan Smith (Tiffanie) of Fort Mill, SC.
She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Nicole, Peter James, Peter, Buck, Addison, Chase, and Easton, and four great-grandchildren, Amelia, Thomas, Peter, and Nicholas, and many nieces and nephews all who filled her life with pride, joy, and purpose.
She is survived by her sisters Sharon Washburn (Jon) and Paula Waite, and her brother Brian Waite (Pam), and was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her brother Daniel A. Waite.
Judy will always be remembered for her devotion to her family, her ability to make others laugh, the long phone calls filled with questions and conversation, and the way she walked just fast enough that you had to hurry to keep up. Her legacy lives on in the stories, the laughter, and the love she leaves behind.
A Catholic Mass honoring Judy's life will be held on December 9, 2025, at 10:45 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a reception to follow (1:30pm) at the home of Ryan and Tiffanie Smith.
A private graveside service will be held on December 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Sheridan Center Cemetery in Sheridan, NY. In honor of her life, and her lifelong love for Labrador retrievers, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA or the Humane Society of your choice.
Deeply loved, endlessly remembered, forever missed. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judy, please visit our floral store.