Mike Rundle

July 21, 2018

News of Judi's passing came from Ardys Ramberg on Facebook. My response below was written quickly after reading Ardys'. post.

Maybe Judi's brother & family saw this, but I'm reaching out to let them know Judi touched me & my life. I wish them well.
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My deepest sorrow for a true & dear friend.

Judi and I collaborated / consulted in matters of social justice that came across our radar behind the scenes affecting an individual whom we cared about. --- What one learns about government ("small gee" as [my late former landlord] Mr. S would have said) & what one discovers about people in positions of power, is not always pretty.

I met Judi when I was an idiot about art long ago when she had the gallery at 7 East 7th Street. As I grew in my artistic life & artistic appreciation, I grew in my friendship with Judi. We often laughed at the Merc; I shared her gratitude when it seemed George was rebounding & she shared her struggle over George's setbacks & his passing.

Judi was among the band of friends who helped me move -- she came & swept my floors when the old house house was almost empty & she brought me a cajun (I think) bread pudding in my new house filled with her personal, family & cultural background. In mid November last year, attaching an animated Facebook image she wrote, "I sent you the first Christmas tree . . . " [in my new home} Such sweetness & a bright light ever & always.

We said our goodbyes as she was making ready to travel away from us & into the love & care of her brother. I had no idea her health was at risk.

This was my experience of Judi & we spent but a few minutes together when it is all added up --not a "significant" amount of time & certainly nothing in comparison to dear Ardys & many, many others who knew & worked with Judi. Which is just to say, you don't have to spend a "significant" amount of time to receive gifts of lasting substance & significance from the people who appear in our lives --- and are gone, always too soon.