Judith Ann (Mckay) Lowry

Judith Ann McKay Lowry, cherished mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend passed away peacefully on May 18, 2023 in Saco, Maine. Judy was born in Holden, MA on April 26,1957 to Robert Bruce and Jean McKay. Following Jean’s death in 1961, Judy was raised by R. Bruce and his wife Anne C. McKay. Judy graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1975 and attended Cottey College in Missouri where she settled and raised her own family.

Judy had the kindest heart for all living creatures; while she couldn’t have a cat in her own apartment, she made sure all the strays in the neighborhood were fed and worried when they went missing. Judy was fascinated by the natural world; she followed eagle cams, the Mt. Washington weather cam and took every opportunity to witness meteor showers and other celestial events. Judy loved being in nature and had a keen sense of adventure. She was ready-to-go for any outdoor experience whether it was canoeing in the mangroves of St. Pete, Florida or getting blown over on the summit of Mt. Washington, NH.

Judy was devoted to recording her experiences through the camera lens. She had an enormous collection of photos cataloging all of the events that she held dear and documenting the beauty that she saw. It’s hard to remember a time when she didn’t have a camera in hand. Judy would spend all day on vacation taking pictures and then she would review the day’s activities in the evenings before bed. Judy also loved music; her family and friends could hear her coming down the street with her music turned all the way up in her car, not unlike some teen drivers. Judy always loved a good bargain and most of the items that she purchased were earmarked as a gift for someone else. Judy loved New England and although she lived in Missouri most of her life, when someone asked, she was from Massachusetts. Family members in the east were blessed to have had Judy back in New England for the last two years of her life.

Those that knew her best will remember Judy’s love and dedication to her family, especially her six grandchildren. Grandma Judy attended every event involving her grandchildren, often attending swim meets for her three older granddaughters that lasted all day, if not all weekend. Judy would be exuberantly cheering for and taking photos of the three older girls and simultaneously caring for the three ‘littles’ while her son & daughter-in-law volunteered at the events. Other families repeatedly remarked that they wished they had their own ‘Grandma Judy’.

Judy had a gentle spirit transcended only by her beautiful eyes and mischievous smile. We miss her loving presence, her easy laugh, and her fun-loving nature.

Judy is survived by her son Joshua Lowry his wife Rachel, her grandchildren Taylor (Jarrett) Payne, McKenzie, Addison, Ryker, Lydi and Graham Lowry, her (step) mother Anne McKay, her ex-husband Michael Lowry, her siblings Donald (Sherry) McKay, Linda Brewer, Scott McKay, Jennifer (Dana) Kennison, Gail (Phil) Lacey and Keith (Christine) McKay, her aunt Janel Carlson, her uncle Jack (Sally) Court and her many nieces, nephews and cousins. Judy is predeceased by her mother Jean (Court) McKay, her father R. Bruce McKay and her brother David B. McKay.

A memorial service will be held for Judy at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at The Nimrod League, 168 Coal Kiln Rd, Princeton MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Friends of Eagle Lake” or “FoEL”, checks can be sent to FoEL c/o Dan Marinone, 37 Village Way, Jefferson, MA 01522. Or Venmo to @FoELHolden

All money received goes directly to support the Lake and area.