Judith Rawdon (aka Judy, Mom, Granny, and Granny Goose) was born on April 4, 1937, and passed away on February 24, 2026. During the 88 years in between, she shined brightly across the world and left love on everything and everyone she touched. Judy is remembered fondly and missed profoundly, just as she would want it to be.
Judy spent a wonderful childhood with her brother, Jay, on Graybridge, a bucolic residential street in Ladue, which left her with lifelong memories and friends. Known for her spelling prowess, she was always considered smart and wanted nothing more than for everyone around her to be happy. Her mother, Henrietta (aka Honey) instilled in Judy the love of travel and the beauty of flowers.
Her St. Louis roots, however, did not foster a love of winter or being cold. She loved all thing beach, including them in her many travels and collecting shells wherever possible. The colors and beauty of spring awakened her heart every year and signaled the beginning of walking season with her friends and family at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Spring and summer were always just right for walking and running, and every season was perfect for getting lost in a good book, which is where she developed her penchant for old phrases, sayings, and quotes.
She loved hearts, smiley faces, and all things purple, She was a collector of many things and loved animals. Blessed with a hippie soul, she often wore many, many bracelets at one time. While she worked at ADP when computers were as big as a room – and less powerful than a flip phone – it was her work as a chaplain that brought her the most pride and satisfaction. Judy was forever a good listener, counselor, giver, and owner of a big heart.
Judy and her partner for half her life, Larry Carp (aka Carpie), had a shared love of Paris, among other things. Their travels and their time spent together enriched both their lives immeasurably.
Of course, the biggest part of her big heart was reserved for her family – daughters Vicki (Rick) Sanford and Desiree (Steve) Tamsky; grandchildren Natasha (Alex) Peebles and Eva (Nico Sanchez) Tamsky; and great grandchildren Lula and Ford Peebles. Being together with family meant everything to her and she so loved her grandkids and great grandkids.
When you sit or walk on the beach, or collect shells, remember her and know that she’s right alongside you, tasting the salt in the air and enjoying the breeze.
An organized funeral just would not have been Judy’s cup of tea so, instead, her ashes will be spread in Kauai, Hawaii, where life is perfectly beachy.
No donations are necessary but, if you feel so inclined, please make one in her name to the Botanical Gardens in either Missouri or Hawaii.
Her memory will forever be a blessing.
BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
