Judith Doering Nielsen
November 21, 1945 - January 19, 2022
Corralitos, California
It is with great sorrow that Judy's family and friends had to say goodbye last week. Judy courageously fought a two-year battle with cancer that finally took her to the Lord on January 19, 2022. She loved life and didn't want to go yet. She felt she still had too much left to do.
Judy was born to Steve and Elsie Doering on November 21, 1945, at Watsonville Community Hospital. When the little red-headed baby girl was brought home, she was little sister to Nancy, four, Kathleen and Colleen, one. Two years later Patty arrived and had four big sisters. The ranch on Amesti Road is where the family called home. It was a good place to grow up and where Judy learned a work ethic that would do her well for the rest of her life.
While attending High School, at sixteen and could get a work permit and drive, Judy got a job at the Fox Theater, downtown Watsonville. She loved the independence of having her own money. After graduating in 1964, Judy got a job as a teller at Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco. She wanted to try being independent and loved it.
Always up for an adventure and wanting to help, Judy joined the Peace Corps in 1966, hoping to go to Nepal. She was instead sent to Madhya Pradesh, India and then to a remote town with no running water, electricity, flush toilets or telephones. To her disappointment, Judy came down with amoebic dysentery and was sent home. At her doctor's appointment Dr. Taine Bell had her come back the next day so he could research her ailment from his books from Med School.
After her condition was under control, she enrolled at Cabrillo College and then transferred to California State University, Stanislaus, which had just been completed. Graduating with honors, she then went back into banking with Wells Fargo. She eventually was hired by San Jose National Bank and worked her way up to Executive Vice President. During that time, the bank enrolled her in the master's program at the University of Washington where she earned her degree.
In 1987 Judy was introduced to Stanley Nielsen by her twin sisters, Kathleen and Colleen. She and Stan married, and Judy became stepmother to his five children, Jeff Nielsen (Julie), Tammy Barsocchini (John), Amy Saucedo (Mark), Beth Nielsen, and Josh Nielsen (Gina) who was still in high school.
Judy soon felt a growing need to help make Watsonville a better place and ran for an appointment on the Watsonville City Council and was elected. After that, she ran unopposed for re-election twice. She served as mayor and was named Woman of the Year for the countless hours she spent serving her town and for the hours she spent raising needed funds.
After living in Watsonville for several years, Judy and Stan built their (dream home) on a hill overlooking Corralitos. Here, Judy loved showcasing her amazing cooking skills by donating dinners for charitable organizations. She gathered a crew to help prepare and serve and everyone had fun. Judy was simply fun to be around.
Judy's willingness to lend a hand or a donation or both to many worthy causes is one of the things she will be remembered for. Pajaro Valley Historical Society was one of her favorites. As president, these last several years she dutifully attended meetings sometimes with a chemo pump attached. Documenting the past and present history of the Pajaro Valley was a mission she was passionate about.
Judy leaves behind her husband Stan and his five children. She also leaves her four sisters, Nancy Buoy, Colleen Brunetti, Kathleen Moore, Patty Stepovich, two nieces, Suzanne Madden (Vic), Cindy Mitz and four nephews, Steven Shaw, Mike Shaw (Cara), James Coffelt (Robin) and Greg Stepovich (Susan). She also leaves grand nieces, Katy Camphouse , Lauren Coffelt, Abby Madden and grandnephews Adam Camphouse, Jake Coffelt, Scott Shaw and her cat, Little Missy who was loyally by her side up to the end.
There will be a celebration of life later in the Spring at PVHA's beautiful home and gardens in Watsonville. In Lieu of flowers, please donate in Judy's name to PVHA, Loaves and Fishes, Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

View the online memorial for Judith Doering Nielsen