Judith L. "Judy" Stoddard

Worcester/Rutland - Judith L. "Judy" Stoddard, 88, of Worcester, a retired nursery school teacher, died peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2021 of congestive heart failure.

She leaves her husband of 65 years, Donald F. Stoddard; a daughter, Jocelyn H. Brayshaw of New York City; a son, Owen N. Stoddard of Old Orchard Beach, ME; a sister, Lael Von Holt of Columbia, MO; and a brother, Merritt A. Powers of Rehoboth, MA. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Deborah Stone of Oklahoma City and another sister, Glenna Ashley of Largo, FL. Judy was born in Boston, the daughter of the late Merritt A. and Rea (Hunt) Powers. She lived in Rutland for 46 years before moving to Worcester in 2009. She was a graduate of Quinsigamond Community College, majoring in Early Childhood Education.

Judy was employed at the former State Mutual of America, now Hanover Insurance Group of Worcester, for 17 years. She later was a nursery school teacher in Holden. Judy was also a library aide at the Rutland Library. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Worcester, an American Baptist Church, for over 50 years and served on various boards and committees and was an active volunteer. Her interests were her family and grandchildren, volunteering, classical music and reading.

Judy and her family enjoyed vacationing in Ogunquit, ME every summer where they had many friends. Also, she was a supporter of Old Sturbridge Village and the Worcester Art Museum.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 111 Park Ave., Worcester, at a date yet to be determined. There are no calling hours. Following cremation, and the afore mentioned service, she will be laid to rest in Rural Cemetery, Rutland. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Massachusetts Memorial Foundation, UMass Medicine Development Office, 333 South St. Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Make checks payable to UMMF.