Judith (Judy) Wright, age 89, passed away on December 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born on August 8, 1935 in Seattle, Washington to Wallace and Gladys Sarin. Judy grew up on Bainbridge Island in Washington and was named valedictorian of the Bainbridge Island High School class of 1952. She was an accomplished classical pianist and was offered a piano scholarship to attend Western Washington University. Instead, she married her childhood sweetheart Dick Wright in 1954 and went with him to England where he was stationed in the U.S. Air Force. Judy and Dick started their family there.
Judy was a lifelong volunteer. As “super” mom with her six kids spanning 15 years from oldest to youngest, she was always the classroom mother. She was also the Brownie and Girl Scout leader for her daughters’ troops, and the Cub Scout leader for her son’s troops. There were more family camping trips than can be counted. Judy always had her kids involved in charitable events ranging from Trick or Treating for UNICEF to March of Dimes to various Scouting fundraising activities.
As her children got older, Judy decided to turn her considerable “kid” talents into a career. She earned a college degree in elementary education and special education, graduating from UNLV in 1977. She taught elementary school for many years. Judy continued to go to school while teaching, earning two Master’s degrees, and eventually became a school counselor. After 29 years in the Clark County School District, she “retired” but then went to work at Safe Nest as a domestic violence counselor. She retired from that career at age 80.
For most of her final years, Judy lived at Atria Seville Senior Living. She was a resident Ambassador, started a choral group and provided piano accompaniment for it, was very involved in the book club, and much more. She was passionate about classical music, water color painting and raising orchids. She was loved by one and all for her sparkling, take-charge personality and eternal optimism. Through thick and thin, she had her beloved cat Meiling at her side, and when Meiling passed away several years ago, she rescued another cat from a shelter whom she also named Meiling, even though they looked nothing alike.
Judy is survived by her brother Jack Sarin, children Cheri Vetter (Kevin), Steven Wright, David Wright (Rosa), Sue Wright, Alan Wright, and eleven grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in passing by her former husband Dick and her youngest son Gary Wright.
Family memorial services will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Judy’s name to the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (www.keepmemoryalive.org) or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org). Condolences can be sent to the Wright Family, 3336 Giliam Court, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89129.
