Julia B. Westcott

Julia B. Westcott
Los Osos, CA
Julia Ballou Westcott, originally from Utica, passed away September 9, 2010 after a brief illness. She was born on October 10, 1920, the daughter of Charles Hosea and Clara Rose Fenn Ballou and educated in local schools. Known to her friends as "Judy", she worked as a lab technician in local hospitals. In 1942, she married Addison Childs Westcott. Judy was an active member of Grace Epispcopal Church, involving her children in choir and other activities there. She belonged to St. Cecilia's Guild, The Altar Society and worked tirelessly making and adjusting costumes for The Players of Grace productions. Judy was an avid golfer and lifelong beachcomber. She also enjoyed gardening, swimming, downhill and cross-country skiing, camping and traveling. She was always ready to join in these activities with her children and bring along their friends as well. Judy taught summer day camp swimming lessons at The Sisters of St. Margaret's for several years and volunteered in a literacy program for elementary children at Kemble School. She was a voracious reader of world news, novels and anything that appealed to her interests, which were many. Her interest in politics led to volunteer work for Ralph Eannace during and after his election to the State Assembly. Judy loved life. Her years in Utica were full raising her four children, helping others, caring for her beautiful garden and the birds at her feeders, skiing, playing golf, and participating in church and civic activities. Since 1997, Judy lived in Los Osos, CA, enjoying the mild climate, swimming, and walking the coastal beaches. From age 77 - 87, she served as volunteer and close assistant to archaeologist Dr. John Parker with the Chinatown lab project in San Luis Obispo, CA. (http://www.wolfcreekarchaeology.com/Volunteers.htm) She was so competent in this work that Dr. Parker invited her to accompany him on several digs, give lab tours to Boy Scout troops and others, sort through dirt and pottery shards, and compensated her for her time. She is survived by her four children, Theodora Westcott Llovet, Morro Bay, CA, John Butterfield Westcott, San Francisco, CA, Huntley Holbrook Westcott, RI, and Julia Childs Westcott, New Hartford, NY. Grams/Gramma/Yaya had great love for and is survived by her eight grandchildren, Danielle Paxson, Heidi Llovet, Daniel Westcott, Jordan Westcott, Peter Westcott, James Wilkins, Kira Brady, Andre Ferrara; and great-granddaughter, Makenna Cady Craver. Aunt Judy also leaves behind nieces, Martha (Jack) Brody and Barbara Green; nephew Robert (Betsey) Mudge; several great and great-great nieces and nephews; and many other beloved family members and friends of all ages. She was predeceased by two older sisters, Harriet Mudge and Elizabeth Bellare, as well as nephews, John Mudge, Jr. and Robertson T. Root, III. Judy had a passionate interest in world affairs and concern for the suffering of others. She started a Christmas tradition of donating to Heifer International, a tradition carried on by her family today. Judy will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, generosity, love of family and our natural environment and continued hope in helping humanity. A Celebration Of Life for Judy will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2011, at 1 p.m. at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1640 Genesee St., Utica, NY. A reception at the church will follow. Family will gather for a short memorial at Forest Hill Cemetary afterward. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Judy's favorite charity, Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202 (www.heifer.org) or a charity of your choice. Envelopes for Heifer International will be available at the church. An online memorial has been created for Judy at www.valleyoflife.com.
Julia Westcott