Hazel Judith Brown

She lived independently well into her 94th year. Judy was essentially a life long resident of Norwich; born at Backus Hospital during the height of the depression on February 17, 1932 to loving parents Irving and Hannah Friedman. Judy attended the Elizabeth Street School and later graduated from the Norwich Free Academy, Class of 1949. She continued her education at the University of Connecticut, graduating with High Honors and a Bachelor of Arts in English, Class of 1953 having been elected to the Phi Kappa Phi Society that same year.

During this time, she met her future husband Garland and was married on June 20, 1954 at the Norwich Inn. They lived for two years in Augusta, Georgia while Garland was serving in the army. After Garland was honorably discharged from the service, they returned to Norwich. Garland worked in the family auto parts business while Judy worked as a social worker until they started a family. In 1962, they built their forever home on Butternut Drive where she was the oldest, continuous living resident and affectionately known as the Queen of Butternut Drive.

A decade later, wishing to continue her education, Judy earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching at Connecticut College in June of 1969. She went on to teach English and American History at the Notre Dame Girls High School which later merged with the Saint Bernard School. She was the first female professor who was not a nun and organized their first girl’s basketball team. Fifty years later, her students still fondly remembered her. After two years, she gave up teaching to help care for her aging parents. After their passing, she was elected as a Corporator of the Dime Bank and then in 1985 she became a member of the Board of Directors, the first woman in the bank’s long history. She served on the board for over twenty years retiring at the age of 70.

Judy was very involved with civic and charitable organizations her entire life. She served a two year term as Chairwoman of the Board for the United Community Services from 1986 to 1988. Judy was a Life Member of the William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary, Friends of Slater Museum, Friends of Otis Library where she also served as President from 2007 through 2009 and Hadassah. She was a member of the Norwich Historical Society, the Society of the Founders of Norwich, Beth Jacob Synagogue, and Board Member of the Hebrew Benevolent Association. In her later years joined the Woman’s City Club of Norwich. Also while in her eighties, she participated in the Lifelong Learning Program at Three Rivers Community College focusing on creative writing of short stories. Unexpectedly, one of her pieces garnered attention and was published in a local magazine.

Golf and the former Pautipaug Country Club, now known as the Mohegan Sun Golf Club were important in her life. Her first days on the links were in high school as a member of the NFA Golf Club. She was a fierce competitor winning the Ladies Handicap Championship twice, the first winner of the competition which was held in 1963 and the last year in 2007 before Pautipaug CC was rebranded to the Mohegan Sun Golf Club. In fact, the Head Pro gave her the plaque which now hangs proudly in her garage. She also served on the club’s Social Governing Board from 2008 through 2010. Judy was also a member of the Connecticut Women’s Golf Association from 1994 though 2004. Garland and she played golf courses around the world. She loved to tell the story of encountering a kangaroo on a course in Australia. She also felt great joy teaching the game to friends and family. Sadly, she was forced to give up golf at age 86 when she began to develop neuropathy. However, her love of the game has been passed on to her children and grandchildren.

During her lifetime Judy and Garland traveled extensively seeing much of the world having taken over thirty trips overseas. After Garland passed, she continued traveling with friends and family. Judy was a lover of literature. She was a voracious reader up until her last days. She relished her volunteer time at the Otis Library and helping with the Annual Book Sales. Judy appreciated the art world; often going to see the latest shows on display at the local museums including the Florence Griswold and Slater Museums. She was a true cinephile and enjoyed reminiscing about going to the movies as a young girl with her sister to see a double feature on a Saturday afternoon. And naturally, her favorite cable TV station was Turner Classic Movies.

Judy was predeceased by her parents Irving and Hannah in 1977 and 1978 respectively, her beloved sister Nada in 2002 and her husband Garland in 2004 who she was married to for nearly fifty years. She is survived by her three sons Michael (Lori), Darrell (Nancy) and Stephen; five grandchildren Alec and his wife Sean, Harris, Jordan, Sophie and Helaina. Also surviving her is her only nephew Jason Bernstein.

A graveside service will be held per her wishes on Sunday June 28, 2026 at 2 PM at the Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery #3, Preston, CT.