

Born in Edgewood, Cranston, to Gilbert Allen and Frances (Desmond) Allen, she grew up alongside her sister, Jeannie Erickson, and her brothers, David Allen and the late Ted Allen.
Judy was a devoted wife to Len Cabral, her husband of nearly 46 years and her life partner for much longer. She was an incredible mother to Nuala and Leana and their partners, Stormy and Kenzo, and a joyful, wholehearted grandmother to Ella, Noah, and Kazuo.
Judy’s life was a vibrant collage of people, adventures, and enduring hopefulness, lived with an unbreakable commitment to those she loved, of which there were many. Her house served as the epicenter of a rich, beloved community of close friends and family, in large part due to Judy’s tender generosity and innate ability to radiate a spirit of warmth and welcomeness at all times.
Whether spearheading a raucous celebration or spending a quiet evening consoling a friend, Judy’s commitment to doing what was needed never wavered. She found joy in moments of connection, large and small: sitting on the porch with her best friends, hosting sleepovers for her nieces and nephews, taking walks to the cove or cranberry bog, going to water aerobics with her neighbor, baking her famous pies during the holidays, exploring the zoo with her grandchildren, watching her granddaughter play basketball, and enjoying delicious ice cream and meals shared with her cherished people.
Judy was a world traveler. In her mid-20’s, she traveled on her own to Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, India, Kenya and Tanzania. Later, Judy and Len took their young girls to Costa Rica, Bali, and near-annual trips to Jamaica, instilling a sense of global citizenship that prioritized simple accommodations, local food and culture, and human connection.
Judy’s career included work as a childcare provider, performer, and educator. She used her writing skills and sharp organizing talent to successfully apply for federal grants that directly nurtured the local artistic community and supported the growth of the nonprofit, Providence Inner City Arts, best known for the Florentine Faire.
Judy was instrumental to her husband’s storytelling career, acting as his manager, accountant, publicist, security detail, and #1 fan. She shared in his success and never tired of being in the front row for his many performances.
Later, she pursued real estate part-time and took great satisfaction in helping women and families find homes in Edgewood. She did it well, bringing her customary trustworthiness and attention to detail.
Judy’s professional career often took a backseat to her true passion: her family. Her love for her daughters was fierce and imperishable. She mothered with unbending attentiveness, profound care, and endless patience. She poured the same dedication and love into Len, with whom she shared a million laughs across a lifetime of memories.
Incredibly, Judy brought the same devotion to all her relationships. She was an indispensable daughter, sister, cousin, auntie, niece, mentor, grandmother and friend to many. She put tremendous thought and time into each role, and did it with grace and selflessness. When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, she remained positive and determined to live a full life - which inspired everyone around her. In Judy’s final days, she was surrounded by love and she passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side. She will be sorely missed, and always remembered.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 2 PM at the First Unitarian Church of Providence, 1 Benevolent Street, Providence.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Judy’s memory would be appreciated.
For online tributes and condolences, please visit www.pontarellimarinofunerals.com.
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