Judith McKinnon

Judith "Judie" (Sarra) McKinnon

SOUTHINGTON

Judith "Judie" McKinnon, 83, of Southington passed away on Monday, January 19th at Jerome Home in New Britain. Born in New Britain, CT to the late Fred and Helen (Brezenski) Sarra, she attended New Britain schools and graduated from New Britain High School in 1960. Judie married Bernie McKinnon in 1961, and they remained married for more than 59 years until his death in 2020. The McKinnon's moved to Southington in 1967 to raise their children. Judie was a working Mom even while her children were young. She spent many years at Southington Food Mart as a proud UFCW union member. As her children grew, Judie returned to secretarial work and worked in Human Resources for Orion Capital in Farmington.

In 1991, Judie and Bernie began their second life great adventure when they moved to Washington DC for Bernie's job. Judie loved her beautiful townhouse in Alexandria, VA. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends for the holidays and sightseeing in the city. Judie and Bernie took advantage of many cultural events in DC, while also attending several presidential inaugurations and balls. While living in DC, Judie continued her career in Human Resources and was proud of the security clearance she received which allowed her to work for Raytheon. Upon Bernie's retirement in 2000, they returned to Connecticut to be near their children and grandchildren. Judie continued work, finally retiring from Acadia Underwriters.

During her life, Judie was a Southington Band Backer, learned to play the organ as an adult, a member of the Southington AARP, a volunteer visitor for teens at Cheshire Correctional, and a political wife. She loved the beach, especially Meigs Point and Cape Cod. Her entire family enjoyed a Caribbean cruise in 2011 to celebrate the McKinnon's 50th wedding anniversary. One of her favorite recent activities was singing in the Choraleers group at The Orchards and belonging to their book club. It might be said that Judie helped keep Hallmark Stores in business as she was famous for sending birthday and holiday cards to family, friends, nieces, nephews, godchildren and grandchildren.

Judie is survived by her three children: son Ken McKinnon and his wife Pam, daughter Lisa McKinnon, and daughter Jill McKinnon Hoffman and her husband Geoff. Also, grandchildren Michael, Patrick, Shawna and Peter, great granddaughter Sunny Mae, and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Judie was predeceased by her sister Susan Fitzpatrick, and her in-laws Roch MacKinnon, Carolyn Malady, Rita Agritelly, and Angela Orzolek. She leaves behind her brother John Sarra and wife Eve, her in-laws Tom Agritelly, Richard Orzolek, and Theresa King, and her life-long best friend Ellen Landino. The McKinnon Family is -appreciative of all Mom's friends and staff at The Orchards of Southington where she lived her final years. We are grateful for the wonderful medical staff at UConn John Dempsey Hospital for their months of caring while Judie was hospitalized. And thankful to the compassionate staff at Jerome Home for their wonderful care, help, and kindness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St. Plantsville, CT. Please meet directly at the Church, there are no calling hours. Final interment at St. Mary Cemetery in New Britain will be private at the families convenience. Donations may be made in Judith's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, Connecticut Foodshare at www.ctfoodshare.org, or to any progressive organization of the donor's choice.

The DellaVecchia Funeral Home of Southington has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance for the family please visit: www.DellaVecchiaSouthington.com