BELFAST — Judith Crosby, 90, passed peacefully at her home in Belfast on Thursday, June 23, 2022.

Judy was born on January 21, 1932, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the daughter of Donald A. nd Ellen Saari Wilson. She grew up in Lanesville, and after graduating from Gloucester High School earned a degree from Boston University in Practical Arts and Letters. She worked thereafter at MIT in the Department of Electrical Engineering. In later years, Judy earned a BS in Education from the University of Maine, Orono.

In May of 1955 Judy journeyed to San Juan, Puerto Rico to marry her beloved husband Philip B. Crosby of Belfast, Maine, who was stationed there. Their first home before moving to Maine to raise their family, Puerto Rico became a very special part of Judy and Phil’s lives. They returned there many times during their 67 years of marriage, sharing memorable visits with each of their three daughters.

In 1970 Judy became a teacher at the Peirce School in Belfast where she devoted herself to her second grade students for twenty-two years. She continued to share her love of learning in later years as a docent at the Farnsworth Museum introducing children to Maine and New England artists.

Judy continued to learn throughout her retirement years, traveling with her husband Phil, taking courses at Senior College at the Hutchinson Center, joining the Waldo County YMCA, learning bridge, and taking art classes.

She served her community in many ways, as a member and volunteer of The First Church Music Committee, Friends of the Belfast Free Library, UMaine Hutchinson Center Senior College, Penobscot Bay Stewards Program, Finnish Heritage House in South Thomaston, and the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce Information Center.

Judy proved to be an adventurer, enjoying years of travel with Phil to many parts of the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, and several Caribbean islands. She took great pride and joy in her family, spending many summers on Pitcher Pond, returning to Gloucester and Rockport for many years, and traveling with her family. She shared her passion for music and art with her children and grandchildren as well as her wonderful sense of humor. And she taught them the meaning and power of Finnish Sisu, again and again showing courage, perseverance, resilience, and inner strength throughout her life. Judy cherished her Finnish heritage attending many Finn Fun Festivals with her family and as a member of the Finnish American Society. And she loved her faithful companion Riley, supporting many charities for pets.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Phil; her sister Linda Collins and husband Terry of Rockport, Massachusetts; three daughters, Jayne Crosby Giles and husband Mike, Jan Banks and fiance Lou Dublin, and Karen Mehorter and husband Sam; four grandchildren, Loring Giles and partner Kristen Seaman, Mallory Harnden and husband Ryan, Claire Banks and fiance Bradley Gee, and James Mehorter and wife Jessica; four great-grandchildren, Randall and Regan Harnden, and Kalliope and Jasper Mehorter; and two nephews, Timothy H. Collins and wife Susan and family, and Andrew Collins, all of Rockport, Massachusetts.

Judy’s family wishes to thank Dr. James Delehanty; the angels of Private Home Care with special thanks to Pam Colby, Ellen Hoyt, Elissa Lewis, and Carol Moody whose loving care allowed her to be with family at home; and Beacon staff for their loving, compassionate support.

A celebration of life service will be held on July 1, 2022, at 11 a.m., at the First Church in Belfast UCC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Waldo County YMCA, 157 Waldo Avenue, Belfast Maine 04915; or the First Church in Belfast UCC, 8 Court Street, Belfast, Maine 04915.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.