SPRINGFIELD - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Judith Ann (Belliveau) Barry, aka, “Judy from the Block,” a nickname she enthusiastically assigned to herself, (Hungry Hill in the house!) Judy, a sharp-witted, loyal and loving person, was slowly eroded by dementia, among the cruelest diseases. The illness took a lot from her but also left behind some of the best, until her final breath. She was smart, funny, compassionate, and devoted to those she loved unconditionally. Before the term became trendy, Judy was the original Mama Bear. The sun rose and set with her daughter, Stephanie Ann Barry-Poindexter, and her grandchild, Julian E. Poindexter. Judy never understood what a robotics software engineer was but was impressed nonetheless and shared Julian’s accomplishments with anyone who would listen. She raised Stephanie with equal amounts of love and precision, no matter the circumstances or zip codes, as the family moved around the country often. She never faltered, even if things were difficult. Not one time. Judy also had a great and enduring love for her sister-in-law and best friend, Katherine “Kay Lou” McCarthy, with whom she shared many laughs and tender moments and who was Stephanie’s anchor to the end. The family would be remiss if we didn’t recognize two particularly dear friends who sadly predeceased her: Sandra Sabadosa and Cynthia Barkett. Judy was wise enough to recognize lifelong friends are as precious as family, because you choose them and they choose you back. To that end, she graduated from the former Sacred Heart School in Springfield, where those friendships blossomed long ago. In terms of her professional life, Judy was a bank teller for decades and took that job as seriously as she took every responsibility. Judy was predeceased by her husband, William S. Barry, her mother, Dorothy Belliveau, her father, Leo Belliveau, her mother-in-law, Geneva Barry, and two brothers, Donald and Richard Belliveau. She also was predeceased by her son-in-law, Jeffrey E. Poindexter, with whom she forged a very special relationship. In fact, the Poindexter family has become a cherished part of our lives, and we consider them a gift. The family wants to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Vantage of Hampden, where she spent the last chapter of her life. As much of an edge as “Judy from the Block” had, they cared for her and loved her professionally and consistently (Erin, Tricia, Brittany, Keezia, my friend Denise and many others). And before that, the staff at the Wellington in Springfield. To everyone who nurtured Judy and made her final years a little easier, we remain grateful. Her family will receive friends on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. Her Funeral and Burial will be private. For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com