Judith F. Fagen

Judith was born Grace Grodin on November 17, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Rose Freidman Grodin.Judy grew up in Kansas City, attending Border Star Elementary School and graduating from Southwest High School in 1963. During her school years, she was actively involved in social life and was a proud member of Phi Lambda Phi. Her love of the arts began early, as she studied ballet and performed with the Kansas City Ballet from 1958 to 1963 under the instruction of a traditional Russian ballet teacher, an experience that reflected her lifelong appreciation for grace, creativity, and expression.

Throughout her life, Judy was known for her vibrant personality and her love of creativity. She found joy in baking, dancing, decorating, and fashion, always bringing warmth, style, and energy into the lives of those around her. In Sun City, Arizona, Judy became a devoted and active member of Temple Beth Shalom. Her commitment to her faith and community was evident through her years of service as President of the Temple Sisterhood, as well as her work managing the temple gift shop. She gave generously of her time and built lasting friendships within her community.

Judy’s life story was one of connection and family. She is survived by her son, Stuart Himmelstein and his husband, Jerel Murrah; her daughter, Cathy White and her husband, Chris White; and her cherished grandsons, Mitchell White and Spencer White. She is also remembered fondly by her adoptive sister, Hedra Merson, and her husband, Harry Merson; her former husband, Harry Himmelstein; and her brother-in-law, Marvin Himmelstein, and his wife, Nancy Himmelstein. She is further survived by her nieces, Amy Cohn and Susan Silver, daughters of Hedra and Harry Merson, and Cari Strauss and Abby Chalfin, daughters of Marvin and Nancy Himmelstein.

She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Sol Ralph and Sally Ace Glass, whose love and guidance helped shape the woman she became; her birth mother, Rose Freidman Grodin; her half-brother, Lee Grodin; her sister-in-law, Emma Grodin; her husband, Harvey Fagen (2009), and her longtime companion, Harold Barishman (2024)

Above all, Judy will be remembered for her love of family, her strong sense of community, and the joy she brought into every room. Her presence was unmistakable, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.