Judith Anne Pruett

Judy was born and raised in San Diego, CA, and while she later lived in Tennessee and Ohio, she always considered herself a “California Girl”! She especially enjoyed swimming at the La Jolla cove and waterskiing on Mission Bay.

She found her calling as a nurse at an early age, volunteering at San Diego Children’s Hospital when she was 15. Her nursing career took her to Eisenhower Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and Caremark in Tennessee.

When she and her family moved to Ohio, Judy shifted from health care to volunteerism, finding her calling at Akron Children’s Hospital where she served on the Women’s Board and managed the Reinberger Center.

In Ohio she also found a new passion as a snow sports instructor at the local ski hill. She was PSIA certified and taught for 10 years, specializing in children and women’s discovery. She was also certified in Adaptive Skiing and could a teach snowboarding lessons! Everything Judy tried she mastered.

Judy spent her final years back in San Diego, living in La Jolla and Pacific Beach. She continued volunteering and supporting various community groups, including The San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Newcomers, PB Town Council, Young Lives, and several other organizations focused on the betterment of people from all walks of life.

Her greatest joy was always her family and spending time with them. She loved traveling to Ohio for long visits with Michael & Rebekah, and their daughters Emily, Molly & Aubrey (her “bugs” who brought her endless joy). Patrick and Michelle provided wonderful support to Judy, especially during her battle with Alzheimer’s. Their unwavering love and presence was inspiring.

Her favorite song was “you are my sunshine”. Her mother sang it to her when she would brush her hair, and Judy sang it to her granddaughters while brushing theirs! It has forged a bond through several generations, and will continue for generations to come.

Judy’s faith journey started in the Catholic Church, shifted to Presbyterianism, and finalized as a non-denominational Christian. Her faith led her to mission trips in California, Tennessee, Ohio, New York, Kentucky and El Salvador; and she supported countless others through fundraising and donation drives. Her heart was always with the underserved, wherever they might be. She was also active at the McKinney YMCA in La Jolla, joining her husband Steve in various board and social activities. And water aerobics when the water was warm!

She was proceeded in death by her mother, Anne Esther Dolan and Father, George William Dolan. Additionally, two of her brothers, Bill & Jack Dolan, and her sister Anne Marie Smith & husband Roy Smith preceded her passing. It is important to note that her sister Anne and husband Roy cared for and raised her from the age of 7 through nursing school, and were instrumental in guiding her to become a kind, loving person.

Judy is survived by her husband Steve, sons Michael (Rebekah) & Patrick (Michelle), three granddaughters: Emily, Molly, & Aubrey, brother Chris Dolan, and numerous nieces & nephews.

A celebration of life will take place on March 28, 2026, at the Soledad Club in San Diego. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her honor to the McKinney YMCA annual campaign, where they will be used to provide scholarships and swimming lessons to those in need in our community.