Judy Mae McArdle

Born October 21, 1942 in Niagara Falls, New York, Judy was the beloved wife of Tom McArdle, whom she married on February 27, 1960, in Niagara Falls, New York. She is survived by her husband Tom, after 64 years of marriage, her daughter Pamela, son Tom Jr., and grandchildren Arabella, Cory, Kevin, Mindy, and Matthew, along with three great-grandchildren, Connor, Franklin, and Vivian.

Judy grew up in Attica, New York, and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1960. Judy was a trailblazer in her family, being the first to earn both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees; she received her Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work from Portland State University in 1978 and 1985, respectively. Professionally, Judy dedicated her career to the welfare of children as a Social Worker for the Portland Public School District, focusing on assisting students with attendance issues and finding solutions for those struggling in mainstream classrooms. Her commitment to education and helping others was profound and left a lasting impact on many lives.

Judy's life was marked by her positive and enthusiastic outlook. She was a lifelong advocate for education and personal growth, often quoting, "Inch by inch, life's a cinch," as a motto that guided her through challenges and “What you do with today is what matters”. Her hobbies included travel, cooking, sewing, and home decorating. Judy was also the inaugural secretary for the Association of Children with Learning Disabilities, reflecting her lifelong commitment to inclusivity and support for every individual.

A person of immense warmth and generosity, Judy made everyone feel welcome in her home and was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. Above all, she cherished the time spent with family and friends, creating lasting memories with those she loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10 am at Ross Hollywood Chapel, 4733 NE Thompson St. Portland, OR 97213, with lunch to follow. Judy's life and legacy will be remembered as a beacon of kindness, resilience, and unwavering support for her community.