Danforth, Judy Mandell,long-time Westwood resident, died peacefully on October 22, 2014. She was 88 years old.
Danforth was born in Newton, Massachusetts on April 14, 1926. She attended Brimmer and May School and Connecticut College.
Danforth married John Loring Danforth (died in 2010) of Buffalo, New York, on March 13, 1947. They moved to Westwood MA in 1954. Danforth was very interested in grammar, vocabulary and all aspects of the English language. She was an avid reader, often finishing a book every few days for much of her adult life. Throughout her life, Danforth passed on her love of the written word to children in the Westwood school system as a librarian for many years. Many conversations included what the Greek root was of a word she found interesting. Danforth imparted her love of words to her children and grandchildren. She felt strongly that education is a very important part of a good life. She was an active member of the First Parish Church of Westwood since 1954.
Danforth had a very strong community of friends in the greater Boston area. She was an inspiring mentor to a large number of people of any age. She worked closely with people to help them overcome problems and challenges they were facing in their personal lives. Judy was a very strong and independent woman, who never shied away from letting anyone know what she thought.
Danforth was passionate about sports, following all the Boston teams on radio, TV and in the Boston Globe. She taught her two sons how to play baseball and football, and imparted her love of tennis to them as well. She was an excellent tennis player and in another day, might have become a ranked player. She always emphasized good sportsmanship over raw ability. She set an excellent example for others.
Danforth spent her summers with her family and friends on Squirrel Island, Maine. It was the place she loved more than any other in the world. She served for many years as a Board Member of the Squirrel Island Association and later as the Board’s President. In addition, Danforth ran the Squirrel Island Athletic Association (SIAA) for many years. The SIAA maintained 5 clay tennis courts, ran tournaments and offered private and group lessons.
Judy Mandell Danforth is survived by two sons Loring (Danny) and his wife Margaret Rotundo of Lewiston Maine, and Stephen and his wife Janet Walradt Danforth of Belle Mead NJ. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Nicholas, Ann, Christopher and Laura, by three great grandchildren, Harper, Afton and Hadley, and by many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Squirrel Island Chapel, Squirrel Island, Maine, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 18, 2015, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to:
the Women’s Lunch Place, P.O. Box 170900, Boston, MA 02117 or on line at http://womenslunchplace.org/
Squirrel Island Tennis, P. O. Box 85, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 04538
or the charity of your choice.