Judith "Judy" Warn

Noank - Judith "Judy" McDonald Warn died peacefully at home in Noank, Oct. 7, 2022. She was 80 years old.

Judith was a native of Cambridge, Mass., the daughter of William H. and Elaine Mahady McDonald. Her father did not survive World War II service in the U.S. Army infantry. Judith and her brother William were raised by their mother and beloved Aunt Buddy (Margaret Mahady).

Following graduation from Cambridge High and Latin School in 1960, she attended Trinity College, Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. She later earned a master's degree in education from Boston State College and a Sixth-Year Certificate from the University of Connecticut in the teaching of gifted and talented students.

During her freshman year at Trinity, Judith met her future husband Jon C. Warn, then a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. Judith and Jon enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 54 years blessed with much love and happiness. They moved often with the Navy during the early years, spending time in Hawaii, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California. They returned to Connecticut in 1975, where they established a home in Noank.

Early in her career, Judith taught elementary school in Massachusetts and Hawaii, but took a break from teaching when their first child was born. The following years were focused on raising their four sons, often while Jon was out to sea on lengthy submarine patrols. Judith loved being a mother and poured her heart and soul into nurturing her spirited boys. Judith was a Cub Scout den mother, contributed to Boy Scout Troop 20 activities and served on the Noank School PTO. She returned to teaching once their youngest son finished elementary school, and greatly enjoyed her 8th grade English classes at Kelly Middle School in Norwich, where she worked until retirement.

After retiring, Judith continued to lead an active, pleasant life with family and friends. She was an avid reader, especially of mystery novels, and always looked forward to her book club meetings and mahjong sessions with her close friends. Occasional vacations to Hawaii with Jon to relax and visit their favorite places were a delight. Judy was a kind soul who always put others before herself. There are many stories of her selflessly helping a friend in need, or even a stranger. She truly believed that it was better to give than to receive, and lived her life that way. Judy was proud of her sons and their families and took special joy in each of her grandchildren.

Judith is survived by her husband Jon; their sons, Jon C. Warn Jr. (Nancy), William M. Warn, David F. Warn (Daniela) and Robert A. Warn (Jyl); and eight grandchildren: Jon, Hannah, William, Madelyn, Emily, Samuel, Robert. and Mateo. She is also survived by her dear cousin Sarah Anderson.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents; brother William McDonald; aunt Margaret Mahady; and daughters-in-law, Kimberly French Warn and Laura MacNamara Warn.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Noank Valley Cemetery on Route 215, in Noank. Arrangements are being handled by the Mystic Funeral Home.