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BORN
1941
DIED
2022
JUDITH MACKEY Obituary
Mackey
1941 - 2022
On Wednesday, February 23rd on an unusual weather day in Mesa, Arizona, Judith "Judy" Besemer Bray Mackey, left this earth, surrounded by her family and friends near and far, to fly cancer free in our sky above.
Judy Besemer was born on October 21, 1941 in Palo Alto, California to parents Arthur and Dorothy Besemer. She graduated from Cubberley High School in 1959 and shortly after married Stephen P. Bray and moved to Eureka California to start her family in 1960. Stephen and Judy brought two daughters, Stacie Bray Higginbotham and Kerri Bray Zunkowski into this world in 1961 and 1964, respectively. She later met her forever husband, Dennis R. Mackey. In September 2021, they celebrated 46 years of marriage and he was by her side through her life celebrations and greatest sorrows.
He would like to thank their friends and family for bringing such joy to Judy as she loved being the host of their many dinner and weekend parties.
In November, 2019, she lost her daughter and best friend, Stacie Bray Higginbotham to cancer and she was comforted to know she will be flying with Stacie soon. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Dorothy Besemer, her first husband, Stephen P. Bray, her brother, Donald Besemer, Sister-in-law, Cheri Besemer and her beloved daughter Stacie L. Bray Higginbotham. Our family has been comforted by knowing those that went before her were there to shepherd her through her next journey as she left this earth.
Judy was most proud of her grandchildren, Amy Higginbotham, David Higginbotham, Jr, Nicholas Zunkowski, Sean & Austin Allie and Miranda Champie. They miss their Grandma dearly, but will carry on, in her honor, their love for family, friends and fun.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis Mackey, daughter, Kerri Bray Zunkowski & husband Mark Zunkowski, step-daughter, Denise Mackey Champie & husband Scott Champie, step-son Timothy Robinson & wife Karen Robinson, son-in-law, David Higginbotham, brother & wife Tom and Kristi Besemer, sister Arlene Besemer Dalldorf & husband, Thomas Dalldorf, her nephews and nieces, Tommy & Jill Dalldorf, Cathleen Dalldorf Irwin & KJ Irwin, Michael Besemer, Allison Besemer Durham & Mike Durham and her dear friends who called her "mom", Bill & Denise Jobb, Keri & Dana Cameron, Brett Chambers, Kenny Cannon, and Frann & John Knox.
Our family will be celebrating her life through loving family, friends and living our lives to the fullest each day. We would like to thank Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Arizona for their care to keep her cancer at bay for 2 years and Hospice of the Valley for their loving support to keep her pain free as she left this earth.
In lieu of flowers, we would like to encourage you to donate to your local Hospice organization and complete all early cancer screenings.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JUDITH MACKEY
Sponsored by Times-Standard.
Clayton & Marta Wilson
April 7, 2022
So sorry to hear of Judy´s passing. We spent a lot of time with them in Eureka.
Julie Quinn (Olds)
March 18, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. Sending love to "Denney," as Joyce always called him.
Anita Johnson Sessions
March 16, 2022
Kerry-
I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a wonderful caring woman. So welcoming to her home. I remember when my sister Deann lived with her for a little while. She was a wonderful lady. May God give you peace during this time of sorry.
Take Care-
Anita Johnson Sessions
Joyce wolfe-cox
March 14, 2022
Dennis, I am so sorry and saddened by your loss of judy. If ever I can help look me up. Living in Redding now.
Gary Costa
March 13, 2022
so sorry to see judy leaving !! TAKE care DENNIS
Nick and Christina Romero
March 12, 2022
Dennis we loved Judy with all our hearts and feel so blessed to have her as our friend. We will never forget all the trips to Reno we took together and oh how we laughed and laughed. What a sweet person. We love you. Nick and Chris
Bob and Judy Bingham
March 12, 2022
Dennis, so sorry for your loss. Only met Judy briefly but know that she is a sweet lady. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.
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