Judith R. Brickman

Judith Brickman, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and accomplished artist, passed away peacefully in Acton, MA, on May 2, 2025. Born in 1943 and raised in Wayland, MA, Judy was the beloved daughter of Annie Eileen and George Parker and grew up surrounded by her eight siblings. Throughout her 82 years, Judy wove a rich tapestry of creativity, connection, and love.

At the center of Judy’s life was her beloved family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Jonathan Brickman; her daughters, Shana Dukette, and Dara Yoken and her husband, David Yoken; her stepsons, Joshua Brickman and his wife, Hannah Gardener, and Raphael Brickman and his wife, Leila Brickman; eight cherished grandchildren who brought her endless joy; and her three sisters, Joyce Fisher, Beverly Hokanson, and Susan Heroux.

A dynamic force in the Newton and Brookline arts communities, Judy co-owned the Philips-Brickman Gallery and inspired countless students as a gifted art instructor. Her creative vision found expression in prestigious galleries throughout the region, and she further channeled her artistic talents as co-founder of A Fresh Eye, a Newton-based interior design company featured on the TV news program Chronicle. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Judy embodied compassionate service, earning the endearing nickname "the chicken lady" through her unwavering commitment to the Salvation Army's program delivering holiday and weekly meals to children in need.

The true masterpiece of Judy's life was her gift for building community. Her home in Newton became a gathering place where holidays transformed into joyous celebrations that brought neighbors and friends together. With her infectious laugh and delightfully irreverent humor, she created spaces where people could simply be themselves, talking, laughing, and forming connections that often lasted a lifetime. To be welcomed by Judy was to feel truly seen and valued.

Even as Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) and Parkinson's Disease presented formidable challenges, Judy faced them with characteristic resilience and unwavering spirit. Her inner strength continued to illuminate her until the end. May Judy’s memory be a blessing and continue to inspire all whose lives were touched by her generous heart and spirited soul.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA, on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 1:30 PM, followed by a graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA. The Chapel service will be livestreamed at can be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/JudithBrickman .

Shiva will be observed immediately after the funeral at Temple Sinai in Sharon, MA, and then at the home of Dara Yoken in Concord, MA on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the FSHD Society at https://www.fshdsociety.org.