Judy Kassaye

July 19, 1972 - October 21, 2012

Judy was born on July 19, 1972 in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia to parents Aster and Bekele Kassaye. At age nine, Judy immigrated to the United States.

After growing up in Austin Texas, she graduated from Westwood High School in Northwest Austin. Judy then attended and graduated from Tyler Junior College. Having a deep love for the Word of God, Judy attended Texas Bible Institute, in Columbus Texas for one year. She then attended Northwood University in Dallas, Texas, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Judy quickly became a Human Resource Specialist and grew to become the Director of Human Resources at a construction company.

Judy was diagnosed with cancer in November 2008. Judy fought and successfully beat he first diagnosis and was in remission for one and a half years. During her initial fight, her life was touched by so many caring and loving nurses that Judy decided that she wanted to also help people who struggled with this horrible disease. While in remission she was accepted to one of the country's top nursing programs at Mary Hardin Baylor University in Belton, Texas. Before her first day she found out that the cancer had come back. Going against many people's advice, Judy decided that she would attend nursing school while taking treatment for her disease. She was determine to continue living her life how she wanted, and wouldn't have it in any other way. As the treatments became more and more of a burden, spending time with family and friends was Judy's number one priority as she continued living her life on her own terms.

Of all the words there are to describe Judy, her favorite was Auntie (Akeste). She spent as much time as possible playing with, and taking care of her three nieces, and one nephew. She would always say that they were the love and joy of her life. They will miss her dearly.

Judy was known as a loyal friend, an awesome servant of God, a beautiful spirit, and the absolute best daughter, sister a family can ask for. She spent her time here on Earth, laughing, loving, learning, and enjoying life. She had an insurmountable love for enjoying the little things in life with the ones she cared for.

She is survived by her mother and father, Aster and Bekele Kassaye, and sister and brother, Mekedes Tegene and Kassaye B. Kassaye, both grandmothers Amelework Ashena, Aberash Derese and many other family members.

Judy will be missed by many, but never be forgotten.