Judith A. Perry

HOLDEN - Judith Ann (Ham) Perry, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at UMass Memorial Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

"Judy" was born in Worcester and raised predominantly in Holden, the daughter of the late J. Phillip and Beverly (Baer) Ham. She was educated in the Holden school system and an active member of the St. Mary's Church basketball cheerleaders. She graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1965, attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst and transferred to Becker Junior College, Worcester where she earned an Associate's Degree in Medical Secretarial Studies. Post college, Judy put that degree to use working for Holden Nursing Home (now Oriol Healthcare) from 1968 until 2000 and then UMass Memorial Healthcare, Worcester. She happily retired in 2014.

Although Judith had a wide variety of interests, including ceramics, puzzles, and listening to audiobooks, her heart and soul had always been supporting her children and in later years her grandchildren and great-grandchild. When her son was born, she joyfully took cake decorating classes which allowed her to create homemade birthday cakes for Josh and then Cassie for many, many years and then for each of her grandchildren (at least once). She painstakingly crafted and sewed Halloween costumes as requested by her children. Often these creations were then handed down to nephews and nieces to continue to enjoy and keep in the family. Judy rarely missed a soccer, baseball or softball game, a school concert or play, she adored being able to watch her children and their friends during these events. A long-time member of St. Mary's Church, she enjoyed teaching CCD when her children were young and supporting their decisions along their spiritual journey.

Predeceased by her husband, Allen F. Perry and son, Joshua A. Perry; Judy is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Cassandra (Perry) Herlihy and her son-in-law, Christopher of Rutland; her daughter-in-law Mandy (Perry) Robert and son-in-law, Don of Charlton; her six grandchildren, Kylie, Peyton, Caden, Bryce, Ainsley, and Keegan and her great-grandson, Joshua. As the eldest of the 6 Ham family children, she will be greatly missed by her brothers; John P. (Jack) Ham, Jr. and wife Ruth of Virginia, Dana C. Ham of Montana, Jeffrey P. Ham and his wife, Catherine of Sandwich and sisters; Deborah J. Ham of Rutland and Jennifer M. Gifford of Temple, NH. She also leaves behind many beloved nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Judith's family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 6, at St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
American Cancer Society - https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialpage
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, 65 Boys & Girls Club Wy, Worcester, MA 01610
Be Like Brit Foundation, Inc, 66 Pullman St, Worcester, MA 01606

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit her "Tribute Wall" on this page.