Judy passed away at home on April 26 after a lengthy illness.
Judy was born in August of 1945 to Florence and Fred Sugnet. She was a lifelong Salem resident who lived in the same house from her early childhood until her death. She knew her neighbors and worked to keep her neighborhood a welcoming place to raise a family and make lasting connections. She attended the neighborhood elementary school and played with her cousins who lived in the same area.
After graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in political science, Judy’s lifelong passion and career was working for the election of candidates, and working for the Oregon Legislature. She worked for Sen. Ted Hallock and Sen. Debbs Potts, as well as other elected officials.
She was Chair of the Marion County Democratic Committee, and a long-time delegate to the Oregon Democratic Party Central Committee. Judy also worked on and managed many political campaigns and attended many Democratic National Conventions as a delegate. Her dedication to the election of candidates and to the governing process will be greatly missed.
Judy recognized the importance of unions in the life of this country. She joined unions, served on many union committees, and worked as a volunteer for her unions. Her last membership was with SEIU Retirees Local 001.
Family was important to Judy. She cared for her mom at home as long as possible, and then visited her every day at her care home. She also looked after her Uncle Carl until his death. Judy moved Carl across the street from her so she was able to keep a close eye on him and tend to his many needs.
Judy also had a soft spot in her heart for cats. When her neighborhood was getting overrun with feral cats, she single-handedly embarked on a capture/spay or neuter/release program, and then fed whatever cats came around. She’s surely in Heaven giving all the cats “loves”
Our community will be the poorer for Judy’s passing.
All of Judy’s friends and family thank Willamette Valley Health for the loving care they gave Judy. We all appreciated your visits to manage her care. You were friendly faces she always looked forward to and she felt calm and confident putting her care in your hands.
Then there are Desi and Jose. They were Judy’s caregivers for years and a couple to whom Judy’s family and friends have few words that express our complete and unending gratitude. Please know that you two are a blessing. We appreciate everything you both did to keep her happy and comfortable. We will never forget all your efforts and the acts of love you performed every single day.
–Submitted information
