Obituary of Judy Beebe

Judy C. Beebe, 90, died December 6, 2024, at home in Belfast, ME, with her husband and three children by her side. Judy was born October 27, 1934, in Akron, OH, to Ruth and Chester Conner. She was a graduate of Smith College where she met her future husband, David, at nearby Amherst College. They were married on August 9, 1958, beginning their 66-year adventure together.

Judy considered it a joy and privilege to teach early education for 25 years at Fruit Street School in Bangor, where she especially loved teaching reading to her young students.  In her retirement Judy was active at the Edythe Dyer Community Library in Hampden and then later at the Belfast Senior College where for many years she was registrar and manager of the office. Judy and David had many wonderful years sailing the Maine Coast out of Castine with frequent stops at Holbrook Island on their boats “Finesse” and “Hey Jude.” An inveterate knitter, she knit for family and friends and then passed on her knitting skills and knowledge through classes she taught at Senior College. She was a proud founder of the “Soap Closet,” an organization that provides personal hygiene items to those in need in Waldo County. She also enjoyed the numerous contacts she made through the Seven Sisters Downeast group over the many years of her involvement. When she walked into a room, her smile and interest in others made everyone feel important and loved.

Judy is survived by her husband and best friend, David, and three loving children: Sarah Koby, Scott (Laura) Beebe and Kristin (Dave) Eckels. She also leaves behind her beloved brother-in-law Chris and sister-in-law Diana along with dear family friend Patti Smith. She was the adoring - and adored - “Juju” to eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition to her career, her family, and the organizations she was involved with, the friends made in the Belfast area in “the last quarter” of her life brought her joy beyond measure. She spoke often of how lucky she felt to have lived in Belfast and have so many loving and impactful friendships.

A celebration of life will be planned in the spring. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations in Judy’s memory can be made to:

The Soap Closet https://www.thesoapcloset.org or

The Friends of Holbrook Island Sanctuary https://www.friendsofholbrookisland.org/giving-page-3  (please select The Judy Beebe Memorial Fund in the drop down menu in the Support the Sanctuary section). 

Or feel free to choose a charity of your choice that makes you think of Judy.  Memories and condolences may be shared on her tribute wall.