Helen "Judy" Lanier

Helen Lee Hartley-Lanier, known as “Judy”, beloved by those who knew her, passed away peacefully at age 83 on Thursday, December 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Providence Hospital, Washington, DC, on March 19, 1940, to the late Robert A. Hartley and Mary Joyce Dawson, Judy lived a life of love and commitment to her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She was also devoted to animals, both her own and the protection of others.

Judy grew up in Colmar Manor, Maryland, and raised her three children in Tuxedo, Maryland. She was a loving, patient, and adoring mother, and because of her influence, she raised three children to be very successful in their professional lives. Judy was exceedingly proud of her sons, Walter and Michael, and her dear daughter, Cathy.

Judy worked as a Secretary in the Administrative Offices of the US Courts for 31 years. After retiring in 2000, Judy relocated to Harwood, Maryland, where she would reside with her daughter, Cathy L. Lanier, and enjoy her life until her passing.

All who were privileged to know Judy recognized her tender heart, kind soul, and compassion for both people and animals. She lived a life of devotion and dedication to her family and her beloved dog “Cricket”. Many who had the pleasure to know Judy described her as “the kindest person I know”.

Judy is survived by her children, Walter S. Lanier, Jr. and Gretchen Lanier of Wakefield, VA, Michael D. Lanier and Courtenay Lanier of Pittsville, MD and Cathy L. Lanier and Charles Guddemi of Harwood, MD; grandchildren Anthony M. Hall of Crofton, MD, Michael Kelly Lanier of Riverdale, MD, Christopher Ransom of Eldersburg, Maryland and Zachary Viola of Fort Meyer, Florida.

A Service and Christian Burial will be held at Evans Funeral Home in Bowie, Maryland on Sunday, December 31, 2023. The Family will receive friends at Evans Funeral Home from 12:00 noon through 2:00 PM, with a Service to be held at 2:00 PM.

A private Interment for our dear Judy will follow the Service at Evans Funeral Home.

As a longtime lover of animals, memorial contributions can be made to the ASPCA at ASPCA.org or The Washington Humane Society 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037.