SOUTH THOMASTON — Judith R. Gjertsen, 73, died peacefully March 26, 2017, with her loving husband and daughter at her side, at Sussman House in Rockport.

Born Dec. 26, 1943, in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was the daughter of Eileen and John Ryan Sr. Judy grew up in the Brooklyn area until she was 8 years old. She then moved to Long Island, where she graduated high school.

In 1969, while working at Long Island Newsday Paper, Judy met the love of her life, Donald Gjertsen, a fellow co-worker. The two hit it off and the rest as they say, is history. The couple was married a year later. They spent their life together on Long Island, raising twin daughters. As her children grew and became more self-sufficient, Judy was able to follow her dream of becoming a college graduate. With her husband's full support she attended New York Institute of Technology, graduating with a bachelor's degree in communications in 1986.

As retirement grew near for Judy and Don, they spent time visiting various towns along the coast of Maine, a place they had fallen in love with on their honeymoon more than 35 years prior. In 2004 they settled in South Thomaston, enjoying small town life and all that retirement had to offer. Judy enjoyed painting, reading and completing puzzles. Her home was her happy place and she enjoyed keeping beautiful flower gardens there.

She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Judy is survived by her husband of 48 years, Donald Gjertsen of South Thomaston; her twin daughters, Dina M. Gjertsen and her husband, John Galvin, of Somerville, Mass., and Lee Gjertsen Malone and her husband, Scott Malone, of Cambridge, Mass.; and two grandchildren, Townes Galvin and Nora Malone.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, March 31, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. The Rev. Ralph Miller will officiate.