CAMDEN – On Nov. 8, 2014, Judith Mary Burke Simonton Nutter's heart, soul and spirit went to be with her Heavenly Father. She passed away with loved ones near at the Anderson Inn at Quarry Hill.

Judith was born July 26, 1938, in Hartford, Conn., to Edward Joseph “Joe” and Carrie Tibbetts Burke. Following the death of Joe in 1954, Carrie married Laurence Miller, always a family friend, who became a wonderful father and grandfather, sharing a love of the outdoors and fun.

Judy Mary was married to Norman Nutter in January 2014, who survives her. She is also survived by her daughter, Mary-Ella Simonton Zietz of Hartford, Vt.; her grandsons, Eric Laurence and Matthew William, also of Vermont; her beloved nephew, Jeffry Edward Burke and his brother, Tom Burke, both of New York.

In her own words, "God has blessed me with the best life on this planet. Mary-Ella always has fine thoughts, patience, and prayers for me, far beyond what I could ask, while raising Eric and Matthew in today's temptation-filled world. My life has been filled with loyal, incredible friends who show me love, joy, generosity, respect and kindness. God is good!"

Judith was a proud alumna of Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, where she first met Norman when they entered as freshmen, together not even imagining they would come together much later in life. Judy received an Associate of Science Degree from Fisher Junior College and Franklin Institute in Boston, and continued her education at Harvard, the Northern Conservatory of Music and the University of Maine.

"When people ask what I do with my time, now that I am retired, I tell them I live, love, laugh and learn. I love animals, all that Mother Nature has to give, especially white water lilies and the first robin in spring, music, poetry, Maine humor (!), tea parties, handmade gifts, family, friends and Christian farmers."

In Norman, she found her Christian farmer.

The family is forever grateful for the extraordinary care and compassion of Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice and for Judy's end-of-life care at Anderson Inn at Quarry Hill.

In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to remember Judy's love for animals by donating to the Camden-Rockport Animal Shelter (P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center), located near the site of Twenty Maples - Judy's childhood farm, 146 Camden St, Rockport, ME 04856.

Mary-Ella and Norman will plan a celebration of All-things-Judy at a future date, and ask for notes and contact information to be shared with Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.

In the meantime, we all know that Judith enjoins us to ..."Don't shed a tear, for I'm having Christmas with Jesus this year."