OBITUARY
Judith Ann Gillespie
October 7, 1962 – April 28, 2017
Judith A. Gillespie -- ‘Judi’ -- passed away on April 28th, 2017.
Judi was a dazzling beauty. Her effervescent joy for life beamed through her smile. All who knew her instantly fell in love with her warmth, intelligence and humor. Judi epitomized that long lost chic of times gone by - best personified by the celluloid heroes of Hollywood’s heyday - alluring, vibrant yet also aloof.
Judith Ann Machala was born Oct. 7, 1962, born into a loving Catholic family with 3 brothers and the second of 3 sisters. All proud Texans. As a child, Judi studied at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (K to 8) and Bishop Dunne High School (9 to 12). She attended Vanderbilt University on a full academic scholarship majoring in Russian and French, with an Archeology minor. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in 1985. After graduation, she moved to Rome, Italy, eventually returning to fly for Delta Airlines as a Flight Attendant.
While working on a flight in 1991, Judi was severely injured putting a halt on her budding modeling career and foray into sprint triathlons. By now, fluent in 5 languages, she continued her adventure travels until the toll of countless surgeries -- over a ten year period -- led her to withdraw from public life. Judi continued her studies of ancient Egypt, archeology and astronomy. She became an active supporter of charities and environmental causes. Her passion to save the world’s oceans from overfishing, pollution and coral-bleaching was always at the forefront of her mind.
Judi A. Gillespie is survived by her husband, Colonel King William Gillespie, USAF (Ret.) She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Frank Machala Jr. and Sara Zievert Machala. Her surviving siblings include: Mark Machala and his wife, Susan; Denise Machala Martelli; Tim Machala and his wife, Sherie; Charles Frank Machala III; and, Andrea Machala Rauch and her husband, Tom.
Judi’s Funeral Service will be on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2:30 pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 310 S. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314 - (703) 836-4100.
A Graveside Service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:00am.
Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Alexandria, VA.
Services
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Visitation
Friday, May 19, 2017
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Funeral Service
Saturday, May 20, 2017
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GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Friday, July 7, 2017
Memories
Judith Ann Gillespie
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYRon Gionta
May 20, 2017
King, I am so sorry for your loss. I never met your wife, but I remember how much you cared for her and loved her. Take comfort knowing she is in better place with the Lord. May God bless you and comfort you during this time of tragedy.
Cheryl A. Schwartz
May 16, 2017
Judi flew west on April 28, 2017 and touched the face of God. A stewardess with her wings now clipped she will forever soar the skies she loved so much. Please accept my deepest sympathy and my prayers for your healing and peace. "For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will always long to return." Leonardo Da Vinci
Amy Broach
May 16, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to the Machala and King families.
Judi Gillespie
May 12, 2017
Judi Gillespie
May 12, 2017
Judi Gillespie
May 12, 2017
Judi Gillespie
May 12, 2017
Judi Gillespie
May 12, 2017
Judi Gillespie
May 12, 2017
Judi Gillespie
May 12, 2017
Shirley Ross
May 12, 2017
King, I am so sorry. I pray you will find comfort in the years you had together. I did not know your wife, but knowing you, I'm sure she was a kind and generous soul. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Foshee
May 12, 2017
King,
I am so sorry to hear about Judi's passing. While I never had the opportunity to meet her, I so admired the love and care you gave her. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sharyn Saunders
May 12, 2017
King,
Sending you all my strength during this time of loss for you and your family. My heart hurts for you. I hope you can find comfort and have the strength to comfort your loved ones. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Olbeter
May 12, 2017
King, I'm so sorry to learn of Judith's passing. I didn't know her, but she sounded like a wonderful woman. I wish you strength and comfort as you cope with this tragic loss. I hope your wonderful memories of your time together give you some solace. God Bless!
Celia Pechak
May 12, 2017
Sending my deepest condolences to the Machala and Gillespie families. My heart has been so heavy since hearing of Judi's death. I have many memories of her from our years at St. Elizabeth and Bishop Dunne - remembering clearly that she was as intelligent and fun as she was beautiful. I appreciate the detailed obituary so that I could learn more about the woman that she became. I have made a donation to Greenpeace in her memory and in honor of her commitment to protecting the ocean.
Gail Paich
May 11, 2017
King, My heart breaks for you and your family. While I did not know Judi, I have learned so much about her in the last couple of weeks, I wish I had. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers as you continue on your path of celebrating Judi's life.
May 11, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss. May your Heavenly Father comfort your family as only he can. Please know he cares about all of you during this difficult time.
BM
Denise Machala Martelli
May 9, 2017
For Judi my sister,
I am so sad and I remember praying so much for sisters and our family was blessed! So beautiful, smart, kind, funny and talented in everyway. She was a true friend. She had a strong sense of justice. She had a good heart and strong catholic faith. She loved her family so much. She loved to sing and act! I remember writing to channel 11 to get her on the romper room show; and she was on it. She was everyone's favorite. She loved crème de menthe on her ice cream. She took turns with Andrea sitting on the ice cream maker when we made home made ice cream. She loved Apollo her German Shepherd. She had many exciting travels with Andrea in Europe which she took by storm. She also loved to travel with King as well.
We will always love you Judi!!!
Love your sister,
Denise Machala Martelli
Kay Valdes
May 9, 2017
So sorry for the loss of a beautiful, gifted soul here on earth. May she find peace now that she is no longer suffering from her physical pains. I wish I could have known her more, but the time we did spend together, was cherished and not forgotten. May my brother King and her loving family find comfort in knowing she is their angel now. Love from Kay Marie and Pancho Valdes (and nieces and nephews: Sofia, Antonio, David, Isabella, and Britta) and Suzanne Gillepie.
King Gillespie
May 8, 2017
Thank you all for your kind words ... those of us lucky to know her, feel the deep void of her passing.
Lori Largen
May 7, 2017
Dear King,
Greg and I offer our sincere condolences. Judi was a beautiful woman. I'll never forget the first time I met her in Warner Robins when she brought your German Shepherd over for me to meet. We wish we could be there for her service. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Charles Hughes
May 3, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the Gillespie and Machala families. Judi was a unique individual who made my life immeasurably greater.
Susan Fodor-Bishop
May 3, 2017
To the Gillespie and Machala families, my heart is heavy and I am filled with sadness for your loss of Judi. She was such a beautiful, sweet, funny and dear friend which I have and will cherish so many wonderful memories that I was blessed to share with Judi through St. Elizabeth and Bishop Dunne. You all are in my thoughts and prayers for peace and strength through this truly difficult time. God Bless