Judith Ann Mark

Born on July 10, 1943, in Troy, New York, Judy spent her childhood surrounded by a large extended family. She loved telling stories about growing up alongside her Bailey and Robitaille cousins, who were among her earliest friends and playmates.

Judy was the life of the party. She never met a stranger, always had a song to sing, a story to tell, or a reason to dance. Whether at a family gathering, wedding reception, neighborhood party, or holiday celebration, Judy could usually be found laughing, singing, and encouraging everyone around her to join in the fun. She brought joy wherever she went and had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special.

Her children fondly remember the silly songs she made up just for them, the magical Christmases she created year after year, and the fact that she never missed a soccer game, dance recital, performance, or milestone that mattered to her family.

Though life took her far from New York City, Judy always joked that she was supposed to be a Radio City Rockette. While she never danced with the Rockettes, she never lost her love of music, dancing, celebration, and fun.

After graduating from Catholic Central High School in upstate New York, Judy met the love of her life, David Joel Mark. Their marriage would last nearly fifty years, ending only with David’s passing in 2012. Following time in Northern Virginia, Judy and David settled in Austin in 1979, where they became among the original homeowners in the Travis Country neighborhood of Oak Hill, surrounded by the then still working Gaines Ranch. These were some of the happiest years of their lives where they raised their children, David and Meredith, surrounded by neighbors who became lifelong friends. Life revolved around the neighborhood pool, tennis courts, fishing pond, Fourth of July parades, Easter egg hunts, Bunco nights, swim team meets, and countless gatherings that made Travis Country feel like home.

Judy was a devoted Catholic and rarely missed a Mass at St. Catherine’s. Family members could always count on hearing her singing the hymns loud and proud from her pew. Whether at church, at home, or surrounded by family and friends, Judy rarely passed up an opportunity to sing along to a favorite song.

Professionally, Judy enjoyed a successful career in banking, most notably at First State Bank in the heart of Oak Hill. She loved helping customers and serving the community she cherished. Her dedication to Oak Hill earned her recognition as Oak Hill Citizen of the Year. She was an active member of Rotary and generously volunteered her time throughout her life.

Judy was deeply involved in her children’s activities, serving as PTA President at both Oak Hill Elementary and O. Henry Middle School. She was a devoted Travis Country swim team mom, a proud soccer mom and coach’s wife, a Red Jacket Drill Team mom, and an enthusiastic dance mom to her daughter Meredith at Barbara Lynn’s Footnotes Dance Studio.

Her favorite role, however, came later in life. What began as a plan to be called “Grandy” changed forever when her first grandchild Peyton renamed her “Gigi.” From that day on, she proudly answered to Gigi, a title she treasured above all others. She adored her grandchildren—Peyton, Mallory, John David, Nolan, and Joshua—and they adored her right back. One of their favorite sayings was, “Gigi lets us do anything we want.” She treasured every soccer game, dance recital, birthday party, holiday gathering, and ordinary afternoon spent with them. Of all the accomplishments in her life, being Gigi brought her the greatest joy.

When her husband David passed away in 2012, Judy lost the love of her life. Though she continued to be a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, those closest to her knew a part of her heart left with him. Today, her family finds comfort in Judy and David’s joyful reunion together along with God in Heaven after years apart.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Joel Mark; her infant son; her parents, Joseph and Lillian Bailey; and her sister, Sandra Wheatley.

She is survived by her son, David Mark and his wife, Lauren; her daughter, Meredith Mark Yates and her husband, Marshall; her grandchildren, Peyton, Mallory, John David, Nolan, and Joshua; her brother, Joseph “Brud” Bailey; and many beloved relatives and friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

David and Meredith would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff at Sage Oak in Dallas and Knights of Comfort Hospice for the kindness, dignity, support, and loving care they provided during Judy’s final chapter.

They would also like to express their deepest appreciation to Becky Yates and Mavis Stewart, who stepped in to help care for Judy during her final months. Their love, generosity, and steadfast presence were a reminder that family is comprised of the people who choose to walk beside us when we need them most.

The family would also like to thank Molly Austin and family and the Prentice family for the friendship, kindness, and care they showed Judy during her later years in Austin. Their thoughtfulness and support as neighbors meant more than words can express.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church at 4800 Convict Hill Road in Austin on Monday, June 15th at 10 am. Interment to follow at 2 pm at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home at 6300 William Cannon Dr. Austin, TX 78749

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Judy’s honor to Catholic Relief Services or Catholic Charities USA.