Judi Easton

Judi Easton (Judith Ann Rice) of Nashua, NH, passed away on May 21, 2024, surrounded by her family after an unexpected ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

Born in Tacoma, WA, Judi was the oldest of two daughters of Mary Margaret (Noon) Rice and David Victor Rice. She was a beloved wife, sister, mother, and Nana. She is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) Easton; her sister, Connie Rice; her three daughters: Maria Easton and her husband Troy Birkner, and their child Izzy; Mim (Marilyn) Easton and her wife JoAnne Coles, and stepson Cole; Ann Putnam and her husband Ben Putnam and their children, Ray and Caleb; and many extended family members.

As a child, Judi had a vivid imagination and enjoyed writing stories (mostly murder mysteries) and performing them with her friends. She grew up within sight of Mt. Rainier and always considered it “her” mountain. A member of Tri-Delta sorority, Judi majored in history and political science and graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula, MT, in 1964. She taught at Missoula High School the following year. Judi and Dick lived briefly in Terre Haute, IN, before settling in Olympia, WA, where Judi focused on raising their three daughters. She enjoyed crafts and hobbies including dried flower arranging, macrame, and bird watching. In 1978, the family drove across the country, settling in Amherst, NH.

Judi loved her children unconditionally. She was a very active parent as they grew: she was a Girl Scout Troop Leader, joined the Band Boosters, and sewed prom gowns and dresses. She was a constant support to each of them throughout their lives.

During their 59-year marriage, Judi and Dick traveled throughout the United States and to England and Italy visiting family, sightseeing, and touring with the Granite Statesmen Barbershop Chorus (of which Dick was a member). Locally, they enjoyed trips to see fall foliage, visits to Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, ME, and also visited the bookshop of her favorite author, Nora Roberts.

A member of First Church, Congregational UCC in Nashua, NH, Judi joined the Women’s Club and headed up the church’s recycling efforts for many years.

Though Judi experienced health struggles throughout her life, she was unwaveringly resilient and optimistic. She was a runner in the 1970s before running was common, she hand-wrote an entire novel in a series of spiral notebooks, and she was in love with life in so many ways. She was an avid knitter and created sweaters and blankets for family and friends. Prior to becoming deaf, she loved music–Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, and especially Christmas carols. She loved holidays and cooking Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for family. She loved reading–especially novels and cookbooks, which she said she could read cover to cover as if they were novels. She collected over 800 books, with topics from birds to religion to travel.

She shared her life with much loved cats and dogs, among them Yogi, Pup, Alex, and Simon. In the past couple of years a very special golden retriever, Teddy, also spent lots of time by Judi’s side. She loved New Hampshire’s seasons. She never tired of forsythia, rhododendrons, fall foliage, and the first snowfall. She loved sharing (and receiving!) photos of trees, sunsets, gardens, snowfalls, and pets in her family’s ongoing text thread. She loved birds–from bird watching in Olympia to her carefully-tended backyard feeders in Nashua. Every year, Judi

looked forward to the arrival of the migrating hummingbirds. Their arrival this year, just a few days after she departed, was bittersweet for those of us who knew and loved her.

SERVICES: A celebration of Judi’s life will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at The Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, in Nashua, NH. Calling hours are at 12:00 pm followed by readings and reflections at 1:00 pm. Those who wish may make a donation to the Audubon Society in her honor at act.audubon.org/a/memorial-gift. The Davis Funeral Home (603)883-3401 “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”