Judith Arduino Short

Judi Arduino Short, 84, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, from pancreatic cancer. Born on September 26, 1940, in Rockford, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late Vince and Lois Arduino.

Judi was born in Rockford, Illinois, surrounded by a close-knit extended family who played a meaningful role in her early life. It was there she met the love of her life, Burr, and together they began building a family of their own. When his job took them to Maryland, Judi embraced the move as a new adventure. Though far from their roots, she created a home that never felt lacking.

She had a remarkable gift for making people feel like family. Neighbors, coworkers, her girls' childhood friends, exchange students—anyone far from home found warmth, comfort, and belonging with her. In Maryland, she created a new kind of family for us, especially among our Marywood neighbors. She welcomed other transplants like them, making sure no one spent a holiday alone. Her home was always open, and her heart even more so.

While raising her family, Judi’s lifelong passion for learning led her to continue her own education. She began her studies at Towson University and later earned a Master’s degree in Library Science from Johns Hopkins. She started her career as substitute teacher at Bel Air Elementary then an Assistant Media Specialist at Aberdeen High School and eventually became the Media Specialist at Joppatowne High School. During her time at Joppatowne, she also coached the It’s Academic Team, tennis team, and along with Burr, the golf team. Judi had a natural connection with both staff and students, and was deeply admired for her kindness, dedication, and the encouragement she offered so freely.

Her love of learning was a constant thread throughout her life. Whether traveling the world with Burr, diving into book clubs, exploring museums and art galleries, attending symphonies and plays, trying new sports, or experimenting with new recipes—she embraced every opportunity to expand her horizons. She was a gifted cook who found joy in the kitchen and delighted in sharing her meals with others. Judi and Burr were devoted supporters of the arts, often attending and donating to galleries, museums, orchestras, and the theater.

Reading was always central in Judi’s life. She believed books helped us see the world more clearly, and she lived by that principle. Arts and music weren’t just hobbies to her—they were vital expressions of culture and beauty. Especially in retirement, she never stopped growing. She was always part of a book club or a bridge group, never missed her daily New York Times crossword, and eventually became a devoted Wordle player.

She also had an adventurous spirit—riding a camel, swimming with rays, soaring in a hot air balloon, and even going crabbing with her son-in-law. Though tennis was her sport of choice for many years, when an elbow injury forced her to stop, she took up golf in her sixties and loved it just as much. For Judi, it wasn’t just about the game—it was about the camaraderie, the laughter, and the friendships she made along the way.

Family and friends were everything to Judi, and her greatest joy came from spending time with them—especially her grandchildren. They were the heart of her world, and she treasured every moment shared. Whether attending their special events, shopping for prom dresses, exploring museums, cooking together, celebrating the holidays, or enjoying the cherished annual beach trip to North Carolina, Judi made every experience meaningful and memorable.

Her love extended to her brothers, sisters-in-laws, brother in laws, nieces, and nephews—each of their lives touched by her warmth, her attention, and her genuine care. She treasured every visit, whether she was traveling to see them, traveling with them, or welcoming them into her home.

Judi made lifelong friends wherever she went, collecting them like treasured souvenirs—each one special and meaningful. Whether you met her through work, school, a book group, bridge group, the neighborhood, the swim club, tennis, golf, or as a parent of one of her children’s friends, she had a way of making everyone feel truly valued.

Though Maryland became her home, she never stopped speaking fondly of the family and dear friends she left behind in Illinois—they remained forever close to her heart. The friendships she nurtured over the years brought her immense joy.

Judi often reflected on how much her family and friends enriched her life. She cherished those relationships deeply and gave back just as much love, warmth, and joy—enriching the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was a devoted wife to Burr Short for 65 years. Judi was a loving mother to Mindi Scott and Amy Watts and her husband, Brian. She was also a cherished grandmother to Matthew Watts and his wife, Hannah, Sarah Watts, Duncan Scott, Parker Scott, and Terra Scott. Her great-grandchildren include Quinn and Reese Watts.

Judi was a loving sister of Michael Arduino and his wife, Barb, and Will Arduino and his wife, Cindee. She was the dear sister-in-law of Sue Short and her late husband, Duane Short, and the late Audrey and Don Higgison. She was an adored aunt of Jennifer, Amanda, Cassie, Becky, Jeff, Kim, Pam, Mike, Tim, and the late Tom.

A receiving of friends will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc. 610 W. MacPhail Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014 followed by a celebration of life service at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Judith's name to The Women's Giving Circle in Harford County, PO Box 94, Bel Air, MD 21014, www.harfordwomengiving.org.