Judith Baldwin Kenter

Judith Baldwin Kenter, 78, of Mandeville, Louisiana, passed away with family by her side at her residence on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 following a brief illness. The graveside service was held on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Hebrew Rest Mausoleum, 2100 Pelopidas Street in New Orleans, with Rabbi Katie Bauman officiating.

Judy was born June 23, 1946 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Virginia and attended Randolph Macon Women's College. She was a long-time employee of Delta Airline and was based in Dallas, Texas. Flying for Delta suited Judy perfectly and was a great way for her to meet Mike, her husband of 51 years.

After their marriage and her retirement from Delta, Judy and Mike raised their two sons, Ryan and Jordan. Judy was a wonderful mother, always there for her family and always believed in them, even when they might not have believed in themselves. She served as their chauffeur, sounding board, homework helper, and nurse. She always attended all their school activities, including all sporting events. She always made sure the boys were on time for their practices and, of course, she never missed a game. She was always their biggest cheerleader.

One of Judy's favorite songs was "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac. It was not a coincidence that it was recorded on the album "Rumours" in Sausalito, California. Judy loved to travel and see new places. Every summer included a family trip that started the same way. As soon as the luggage was dropped off in the hotel room, they immediately went downstairs to the concierge, because no matter where they went, Judy wanted to see the best that place had to offer. That might include seeing the beach and beach town, helicopter trips over volcanoes, and of course playing different golf courses. Mike would always say that Judy's ultimate dream was moving to Carmel, California, and he just hitched a ride to that dream to be with her.

Judy's most recent dream was moving to the New Orleans area to be closer to their children and grandchildren. She enjoyed the plantation tours, swamp tours, visits to the World War II Museum, Mardi Gras parades (including the King Cakes!), crawfish boils, beignets at Café du Monde and dinners at Commander's Palace, Arnaud's, and Galatoire's, but most of all, she enjoyed the visits with the children and grandchildren.

Judy wasn't perfect, no one is, but she sure did give it a good run. She strived to live her life a certain way, helpful to other, and selfless. She believed in the goodness of people and nature. She lit up any room she walked into. She was passionate about giving back, whether it was serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother, volunteering at the Vogel Alcove in Dallas, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey. Holidays, birthdays, and family meant the world to Judy. For many years she hosted Thanksgiving for 30 or more people and sending a card to everybody on their birthday every year are just two examples of how important family and friends were to Judy. She was everything a wife, mother, and friend should be and will be missed by all who knew her.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com