Ms. Judith Judy Ann Hodgson Pappagianis

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Judy Pappagianis who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Judy was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Judy knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Judy was born on June 11, 1948 at Coronado Military Hospital in Coronado, California. Her parents were James E. Hodgson and Jeanne A. Hodgson. Judy was raised in Imperial Beach , California (IB LOCAL!!). Even as a youngster, Judy learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Judy was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Judy was raised with 4 siblings. She had her sister Pam, two brothers Edward and John, and another sister, Debbie.

Judy's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Judy enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Judy took part in tree climbing, volleyball, surfing and whatever the boys in the neighborhood were into, she took them all on without batting an eye. In her spare time she liked to paint but had a profound love for dwarf car racing and the ultimate love for her grand babies. Judy's memorable achievements included being the neighborhood tomboy! No one kept score.

In school, Judy was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Judy was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Judy's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Marian High School in 1966. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Made lifelong friendships, played sports and enjoyed special get togethers on the Senior Lawn.

Judy was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Judy was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Judy came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Evie, Becky, Mary, Pam, Helen, Peggy, Ann, Barbara, Jerry Kathy, Patty, Jimmy, Pat, Ronnie and the Boys from Nester... you all know who you are.

Later in life, she was known for her Love of racing, she would travel anywhere to race that #2 car. After she retired from racing she donated a lot of time to the race track, Barona was like a second home to her. Everyone knew Judy, and appreciated all that she did for the sport on a local level.

An objective and conscientious individual, Judy reveled in the security of her family. One of Judy's most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Judy was always there for her children. She worried about them as they grew up and maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Judy would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Judy was blessed with two children, two sons Shon and Eric. Her boys gave her three wonderful grandsons, Jacob, Maximus and Titus.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Judy was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Judy was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Judy upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was banker. She was employed for 30 years at Union Bank. Though she gained lots of experience working at Union Bank, she gained so much more in the great friendships she developed. Sharon and Judy were great friends. I am sure "Girls Day Out" will be missed.

Judy approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were racing cars , Nascar, painting, antiques, Bella and especially her grand babies. Judy was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Judy to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included racing Dwarf Cars and watching Nascar. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were the NASCAR, the Chargers and even tried to keep up with the Padres every now and then..

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Judy knew how to do it and do it right. Back in the day it would be camping with her sister and all the kids up at Green Valley Falls. Recently she spent some time in Oregon with Rick and Rosemary, she was even able to take Bella with her. She frequently went to the midwest to see her sister Pam and even got to see her Great Nephews play some football. Her favorite vacations included Le Claire, Iowa and Oregon.

Judith was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her first Love was Mona, they always had a special relationship. Spooky was always there, and her latest Love was Bella, a wonderful companion for Judy, they did a lot together. Judy combined her Love of pets with her Love of life.

When Judy 's retirement finally arrived in 2009, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, she found new pleasure in hanging out with Max and Ty and loved her pets. In many ways, Judy loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Judy passed away on September 5, 2010 at Pomerado Hospital in Poway California. Judy suffered an asthma attack her one true battle. She is survived by her sons Shon, and Eric and his wife Tracy and Judy's three grandsons, Jacob, Maximus and Titus. Services were held at Humphrey Mortuary in Chula Vista, California. Judy was laid to rest in Le Claire, Iowa where she will keep an eye on her sister.

All who knew her would agree that Judy was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Judith Pappagianis did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.