Judith Theresa Cales

Judy began her life in Kirkland, Washington on November 10th, 1945. She was the third of four children born to George and Thelma Landry. Her early years were spent enjoying Lake Washington, playing with pets and enjoying time with her creative, loving family. They spent many years camping out of their teardrop trailer on the Olympic Peninsula and enjoying the family cabin on the shores of Lake Quinault. She took several years of piano lessons and became a church pianist and organist throughout high school and college.

Judy attended Holy Family Parish School for Kindergarten through 8th grade and then Holy Names Academy for High School, graduating in 1964. She received her teaching certificate from Seattle University in 1968.

Judy married Ozzie Cales in 1970. They built a life together in Snohomish County and welcomed Brian and Julie into the world. Judy and Ozzie instilled a love of natural history in their children and spent family vacations camping, fishing, and teaching their children to appreciate history and the natural beauty around them. She was an avid flower gardener, birdwatcher and birdhouse builder. Collecting moss, branches, pinecones, feathers, driftwood and birdnests brought her great joy and provided the inspiration for many craft projects. Judy especially loved to share her interests with others. She loved quilting, scrapbooking, cooking, canning, embroidery and spending time with her craft, quilt and garden club friends.

For 34 years Judy dedicated her professional life to teaching kindergarten, first and second grades in the Marysville School District. She taught at Pinewood, Cascade, Shoultes, and Liberty Elementary Schools. She loved teaching children to read and inspiring her students through her collection of children’s literature. She is remembered as a valuable mentor and for her clever bulletin boards, creative projects and a loving heart for children. She retired in 2003 to focus on being a Gramma. And what a Gramma she was!

Being “Gramma Judy” to Rylan, Reese, Keira, Jaron and Raemi was one of the biggest joys of her life. She was Gramma Daycare, adventure coordinator and director of memory making. She relished every moment of crafting, baking, reading, gardening and traveling with this lively crew and we are so grateful for the imprint she has had on their lives.

Judy’s faith was an integral part of her life. She was devoted to living her faith and by modeling Christian values in her everyday life. After Ozzie’s death she relied heavily on her faith for strength. She taught us that there are things to be grateful for during difficult times and that we don’t need to be afraid because we can trust in God’s plan. She often said, “God won’t give us more than we can handle.” Judy was active in her church community at St. Michael’s Catholic Church where she co-chaired the annual community turkey dinner and participated in their Dinners for Eight program for many years.

Her empathy and compassion for others is one of the qualities we will remember most about her. She was the most loyal friend who sincerely celebrated other’s joy and helped to divide their sorrow. She intentionally found the good in others and her optimistic personality always saw the glass as half full. She would model empathy and forgiveness even in the most challenging situations. If you needed a warm meal, a silver lining, a listening ear, a compassionate hug, or a reality check, she was your lady!

As a mother and grandmother, Judy is remembered as unconditionally loving and generous beyond measure. Her welcoming smile was a lasting memory to all who met her. Her kindness and compassion was spread to all who had the privilege to know her.

Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Ozzie Cales, her brother, Mahlon Landry, and her sister, Marty Scott. She is survived by her children, Brian Cales (Mickey), Julie Cales Polkinghorn (Steve), grandchildren Rylan Polkinghorn, Reese Polkinghorn, Keira Cales, Jaron Cales, Raemi Polkinghorn, her brother, Rick Landry (Jan), her brother-in-law, Tom Scott (Marty) and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral mass and celebration of life will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (1512 Pine Ave., Snohomish, WA) on November 8th at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation to the Judy Cales Memorial Scholarship Fund. Contributions can be sent to Arlington Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 43, Arlington WA 98223. Please put Judy Cales Scholarship in the memo line.