Judith Ann van Kampen

Born on September 25, 1938 in Albertville, Alabama, she was the daughter of Fred and Bertha (née Moore) McClendon. The family lived on a farm and remained in Alabama until Judy's early teens when they relocated to Detroit, Michigan to take advantage of the booming job opportunities related to the auto industry. After graduating high school, Judy worked various jobs and in 1959 went on a blind date with a young army serviceman, Russell "Russ" Van Kampen. Russ and Judy wed on June 25,1960 and welcomed their first child, Russell Jeffery "Jeff" in June of 1961. Three daughters would follow: Cynthia, Jolie, and Danielle.

Life was an adventure for Russ and Judy as they grew their family while migrating westward. Russ had experience working on missile systems while in the military and job opportunities brought the couple to various states including South Dakota, Texas, and Washington where he worked for Boeing. Ultimately, Russ's career shifted to computer manufacturing and a position with Control Data Corporation relocated the young family to Pregnin, France. Judy delighted in the 2 years abroad. She came to love France deeply and the family was fortunate to be able to take family trips to Ireland, Italy and Switzerland. Judy took up oil painting and practiced her French; it was an idyllic time. Later, Russ's career would take the family to the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose. Around 1975, life took a detour when Russ and Judy left San Jose for South Lake Tahoe to become restauranteurs. Ultimately, there would be two restaurants and a cheesecake making business; the first in South Lake Tahoe, and the second in Carson City, Nevada. In 1985, Russ and Judy decided to return to Silicon Valley and settled in Los Gatos. Russ tragically passed away in a car accident in 1992. Judy remained in Los Gatos, near to her children, until her passing.

Judy was a ferocious reader. Though she never worked in a library, her heart surely belonged there - surrounded by books, stories, ideas, and the quiet joy of learning. She was particularly drawn to depictions of the South that reminded her of her early years in Alabama. She had a generous heart and a commitment to treating others with fairness. She was passionate, spicy, and had a keen sense of humor. Second to books, was her love of travel and she saw much of the world. In her later years, her preferred method of travel became cruising, sharing some of her last cruises with her dear friend, Roy Beck.

Judy is survived by her sister, Sandra "Sandy" Williams (née McClendon), her son Jeff Van Kampen (Kim), her daughter Cynthia Edgerly (Roger), her daughter Jolie Van Kampen (Jeff) and her daughter Danielle Van Kampen-Swick (John); her grandchildren Kayla Holm (Mike), Russell Van Kampen, and Ava Swick; and her great grandchild, Wyatt Holm.

Per Judy's request no formal funeral will be held. If you would like to do something in her honor, we kindly ask you make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.