Judith K. Welch

Judith K. Welch, 79, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, went to be with her heavenly Father surrounded by family on Oct. 14, 2016.

Judy was born in the Bronx, NY, on Dec. 28, 1936 as the only child of Emilie Katrina Hille and Arthur William Kane. She grew up in Harrington Park, NJ and attended Dumont High School, the New York Institute of Finance and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York, known for preparing young women for successful business careers. She passed her Broker’s exam with the highest score recorded in 1957 and then began her career with Merrill Lynch.

Judy married her beloved husband, John, in 1962. They lived in Morgantown, WV, Staten Island, NY, and Matawan, NJ, before settling in Quinton, VA where they raised their two children, Robert and Terry.

She worked for Floyd Mays Insurance in Sandston, VA and moved on to work for VCU in the graduate school’s admissions office. Upon retirement, Judy and John moved to Colington Harbour where she loved to soak in the splendor of the surroundings from her deck and act as an informal “Harbor Master”, watching the many beautiful boats go in and out while relishing the gorgeous sunsets.

Judy was devoted and loving grandmother to her six grandchildren. She was an avid gardener, earner her Master Gardener certificate soon after retiring. She logged many volunteer hours caring for the entrance of Colington Harbour with her longtime friend Jim Roberts. Judy also supported the local 4-H youth camps, the local food pantry, and the Colington Harbour Youth Sailing program. Judy was recognized with the President’s Award for the numerous hours spent lovingly caring for Colington Harbour’s plantings.

Judy is survived by her husband, John; two children, Terry and Robert; and her six grandchildren, Jessica, Dee, Emma and Carly Thurman, and Sydney and Todd Welch.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, 2 p.m. in the chapel at St. Andrew’s by the Sea, 4212 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959. A reception will follow at St. Andrew’s Parish Hall.

Memorial donations may be made in Judy’s name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

Twiford Funeral Home, Mateo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.