Judith Ann Zohn

Judy was the daughter of Helen and David Gorfinkle and grew up in Dorchester, Mattapan and Newton. After graduating from Jeremiah E. Burke High School (1951), she earned a BA from Boston University (1955) and a graduate certificate in Business Administration from Radcliffe College (1956). She was working in the personnel department at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in 1962 when she met her husband of thirty-nine years, Harry Zohn (1923–2001), a Professor of German Language and Literature at Brandeis University.

After starting a family, Judy threw herself into the role of homemaker with gusto, raising two children, supporting her husband’s career, and becoming active in the Newton public school system. She hosted joyous family gatherings and celebrated holidays in her both cozy and fastidious home. As her children entered high school, she began to work outside the home again. From 1983 to 2019, she co-directed the Newton-Brookline Office of Consumer Affairs, mediating disputes between consumers and businesses that prevented Massachusetts small claims courts from being flooded with resolvable disputes. She was ideally suited to the role of consumer mediator, which combined her interests in people, dispensing advice (in this case solicited), and her deep knowledge of consumer law.

Judy was modest, generous, and sharp-witted to the end. Constantly thinking of others, she would call or email with news, advice, or a relevant newspaper article. She was the first to welcome a new neighbor, visit a sick relative, and lend an ear to a story that needed to be told. She stayed well informed about current events and politics, and was a lifelong supporter of Democratic and liberal causes. Judy drew people to her, was curious about their lives, and instantly put them at ease.

She is survived by her son Steven, daughter Marjorie, brother Robert, sister Sylvia, grandson Elliott, and granddaughter Emelyn, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, many of whom she endeavored to remain close to throughout her life. It is no exaggeration to say that she was the backbone of her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on July 3rd at 11:30 a.m. at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 1668 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02445. The burial will follow at 1 p.m. in Temple Emeth Memorial Park, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s name may be made to Newton at Home: www.newtonathome.org

The service will also be available via live stream at client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25073815154160