|Birth: ||Jul. 1, 1943|
New York, USA
|Death: ||Apr. 18, 2010|
Contra Costa County
Like her aunt Dot, my cousin Judy had a big heart that was home to a beautiful soul. Devoted wife and loving mother of 4 children. She was a loyal friend to many. I loved her dearly. She was precious to me.
Born in Warsaw, New York, Judy moved to Antioch, California as a young girl near the age of 9, with her parents Stan and Virginia Dawson and her brother Richard. She arrived in CA with her natural thick New York accent. Her aunt Dot had made the move from NY to CA prior in 1948 and welcomed them upon their arrival. The Dawson's settled into their new home on Ross Avenue in Antioch.
Judy had a great sense of humor. I loved to hear her tell the stories of her past as she reminiced and shared her life experiences. Her childhood NY accent transplanted to CA being one of them. Oh my goodness, how she made us laugh as she poked fun at herself for not being able to procounce her "R's during her early years after moving west to the golden state. "New Yorker's dont, you know ! ", she'd explain while entertaining us with her examples. And her reminicing about settling into her new neighborhood, school days, and growing up. California was a far cry from NY in more ways than distance. Even during the early 1950's.
She enjoyed boating and water skiing on the San Joaquin River during her youth with her parents and brother. Along it's many miles and path ways where the San Joaquin merges with the Sacramento & Mokulome rivers on the delta and the many connecting sloughs. Lodi Lake was another favorite family destination during her early years.
As a teenager she listened and danced to the music during the Motown era, and old rock & roll from the 1950's & 1960's while spining her vinyl 45 records. Or while tuned into KFRC radio station. And on occasion dancing with me in the kitchen when I was a little girl. She was 16 years older than I.
When her father wouldn't allow her to use their family car on the weekends, she oftened borrowed her Aunt Dot's old 1940's Ford (in exchange for baby sitting) to cruise (the now) old downtown Antioch with her girlfriends and me in the back seat. The Panther Drive-In and Hazel's were popular hang outs where the waitreses greeted you and skated up to your car on roller skates to take your order. Those were the days.
After graduating from Antioch High School she met the love of her life. A handsome man, the son of Antonio and Mamie Aiello. The couple were married during the spring of 1964. Judy wore a Chantilly lace bridal gown that was trimmed with pearls and sequins. Ruffles and a long train followed behind her as she walked down the aisle. The groom greeted her at the alter of St. Peter Martyr Church in Pittsburg, CA. It was a beautiful ceremony. They honeymooned in Lake Tahoe.
When Judy married, her husband, children, and grandchildren always came first. Along the way and in between, she always made time and was loyal to her friends and other family as well. Throughout the years if you were blessed to be her friend or related, you were always thought of and remembered by her on your individual special occasion with either a thoughtfull card, message or phone call, and/or visit or gift from Judy. From her heartfelt expressions she always had a way of making you feel treasured and loved.
Upon becoming a mother, Judy was inspired by her mother-in-law Mamie to sew and embroider. Some of Judy's first pieces were for her children. She sewed outfits for her sons and dresses for her daughter. They were made with love and embelished with personal touches to complete each outfit. She was a wonderful mother and was involved in her childrens many activities as they were growing up.
She was always ready to plan and/or host a special event. Bridal/wedding/baby showers were her specialty. Including every other type of party or gathering. If you asked, she always had suggestions and the answers to your questions if you were hosting your own.
Later in life she loved to attend craft fairs. As much as she enjoyed attending them, she found joy in creating hand crafted items from wood, assembling beautiful floral arrangements and more. She had many interests and collections, including cows.
Judy was always ready for the next adventure. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, family and friends. Especially to the ocean, her favorite place to vacation. Whether it be a car trip to Aptos, CA, a cruise on an ocean liner, or a flight to Hawaii.
Easter and Christmas were two of her favorite holidays to celebrate.
She was the heart and soul of her family. A woman of faith and honor.
Stanley Jay Dawson (1921 - 1975)
Virginia Blanche Robbins Dawson (1921 - 1992)
Richard Owen Dawson (1941 - 2010)*
Judith Anne Dawson Aiello (1943 - 2010)
Holy Cross Cemetery
Contra Costa County
Plot: Holy Section, 3 - 40
Created by: Bella
Record added: Apr 23, 2010
Find A Grave Memorial# 51498634