Judith "Judy" Birnbaum

Birnbaum, Ph.D., Judith L. of Sudbury, died January 4, 2022 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was the beloved wife of Morton Birnbaum for 56 years. She leaves behind also her loving children: son Joel Birnbaum and his wife Jennifer Birnbaum, daughter Dr. Shana Birnbaum and her husband Dr. Patrick Ellinor, and grandchildren Benjamin, Eliana, Zachary, and Cameron. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Born in New York in 1940 to Hugo and Ida Abelew, Judy graduated from Brooklyn College and went on to earn her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, where she met Mort. Her groundbreaking dissertation research on women’s self esteem was published in a 1975 book chapter and widely reported in the popular press. Judy gave many presentations and workshops on women’s development and identity to professional and community groups as she participated in the women’s movement of the era.

But Judy was first and foremost a popular and gifted clinician. After a stint at Newton Wellesley Hospital, she opened her own practice in Wellesley, MA and became known as a “therapist’s therapist.” Her clients, family, and friends all embraced her for her warmth, wit and wisdom, as well as her empathy, authenticity, and candor. For decades Judy consulted at Interfaith Counseling Services in Newton, which presented her with an award for outstanding and distinguished service. The award noted Judy’s ability to make an essential difference, and to respond to whatever was needed in supportive and creative ways.

Judy’s smile was ubiquitous, radiating warmth and connection. It always touched others, and shined even throughout her long Alzheimer’s decline. Judy loved being with family, good books, folk music, summers on Cape Cod, walks in the woods, theater, dinner with friends, traveling, golden retrievers and black labs.

Burial was private. A celebration of Judy’s life will be planned for the spring. Her memory may be honored by a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/donate.