Working with Judy at People for the American Way was a privilege and joy.  Good work promoting liberal values and lots of fun.  I miss Judy and treasure her memory

Whenever I recall some of the times in my life that felt full of life and energy, I think of Judy. Her home was the gathering place for so many; I appreciated her generosity then and even more now. I remember, and cherish, so many memories of her. Many, of course, were of a political nature. But also dinners on the deck of the house on 39th Street, gatherings in the tv room that was often full to capacity with humans and, one night, two dogs. Rest in peace, dear friend. You are remembered and the memories do not grow more dim but more vivid with the passing of each year.

My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire family and friends of Mrs. Green.  In the  5 years that I have known Mrs. Green as the Manager of her Building, she was always gleeful, giving, and always had a great insight on life. I very much enjoyed the conversations we had together.  She will be very sorely missed.

                              May you rest in Peace Mrs. Green.
                                

What to do with the loss of an icon? A living anomaly? A true extrovert loved by many, liked by all. A powerhouse willing and able to step in. To help, to intervene with strategy, support and effort. A matriarch, a leader among friends and family tying community together, interlinking the stories of others. A nucleus, a mover. A woman alternately opinionated, curious, direct and diplomatic. Concerned for the state of the world, possessor of enlightened ideas, socially conscious. A psychological presence for me throughout my life and for my mother, Sharon Green. I will always remember Judy's special bond with my mother who offered her own unique perspectives and distinctive comfort. Judy confided to her that she felt able to tell her things shared with no one else. And, recently, they talked often and for hours during the pandemic. A precious, decades-long bond between two singular people, Judy and Sharon. I will miss witnessing that too! Death appears cruel, Death appears kind. Judy had a long, fulfilling and successful life. What more can be said? My life was enriched for knowing her.

I imagine the moment of Judy’s last breath, the moon hidden behind the clouds, the winds stilled in silence, the beacon of “light in the duck” gone forever. Her loss is depleting. It will be a long journey finding the balance between grief and acceptance. Her death stirs emotions like crashing tides rolling out to a darkened sea. 

Judy was a one-of-a-kind woman. No one quite like her. Her friendship in my life held singular importance. She was full of charm, grace, and humility. How could anyone not be drawn to her? 

Judy never stopped trying to convince me to move back to DC  from Philadelphia to continue our friendship in person. Nonetheless, the pandemic afforded us frequent, long, intimate telephone conversations. We fine combed and analyzed a lifetime of experiences. As peers, we discussed the funny side to the challenges of aging and some not so funny. Sharing views pertaining to our own deaths offered a strange element of comfort.  There was not much we did not discuss. We delved into family history, relationships, and the politics of our democracy under threat. Now, I must reconcile talking to Judy about all things in the ever hush of deep silence. 

Judy shepherded her friends, myself included, with profound, homespun advice through indecisions, debacles, and conflicts. Whether the issue was love, marriage, family, career, or business, she had remarkable wisdom and insightfulness about life. She was a skilled counselor, arbiter, and negotiator. Whatever the circumstances called for, Judy could help. 

Valerie, Melissa, and grandkids were Judy’s great pride and reward. In turn, her gift to them was leaving a legacy of family loyalty, integrity, and love. Life is the opening and the closing of a door. How difficult it is to bid Judy a final goodbye. There is an African proverb which says, “As long as you speak my name, I live.” So, Judy, my dearest friend, I will always speak your name. 


I met Judy when I was thirteen. She was my mother’s dear friend and was a benevolent, supportive but no-nonsense presence to me and the other children on our street. Judy understood what was most important in life and guided others toward those things. She honored the important events of my life. I have dear memories of Judy at my engagement shower which she co-hosted, at my wedding, and at my daughter’s Bat Mitzvahs. Judy hosted my baby shower in her warm, beautiful home. Most importantly, Judy and Don opened their home to host my father’s memorial service with exquisite care and love.  As magnanimous as she was, Judy also was a truth-teller. When I was young, she said things that helped me see reality. What a wise, generous, and authentic person! I will always remember Judy with deep respect and affection. My love to Valerie, Melissa, and the family.

I am one of the many many people who turned to Judy when my life fell apart. 

I want to shout out to the ones who helped Judy when her life fell apart: her family and closest friends. 

Thanks for sharing her with so many.  Thanks for sharing. 

Thanks for taking such good care of her. 

Thanks for loving her. So so sorry for your loss. Devastated. Hate this.

Kiki Roumel, neighbor on MacArthur Blvd.

The world has lost a lovely soul of fire and sparkle. I met Judy when I interviewed for a job at People For the American Way in 1994. Judy was officially in charge of H.R. and as such had a big impact on the course of my adult life. She was also much more than that—in many ways the heart of the institution for a couple of decades.

Judy loved getting to know the younger staff and could be counted on to hang out in the lunchroom with the 20- and 30-somethings to hear about their lives, loves, and general gossip. She was everymom to many and an uncompensated therapist and love-and-career advice-giver to many others. She was loyal to the institution and its people and beloved by many staff and board members.

Judy and Don had a house that was made for welcoming groups of people, and I have vivid memories of great, laughter-filled holiday parties and other joyful gatherings. And when our former colleague and mutual friend Carol died, it had been her wish that we gather in Judy's living room to remember her, which we did.  In recent years when we had lunch with mutual friends, Judy always wanted to talk about politics, never about her health challenges. I will treasure the memories of her warm welcomes and those passionate conversations. 

Rest in peace and power, Judy.  Love and condolences to her family and many friends. 

Our family was fortunate to live next door to Judy and her family for many years as the girls were growing up. Judy was a charming good friend. Her smile and humor will be missed.

Don, Melissa and Valerie,

What a beautiful picture of Judy in the Post! I remember that smile from our days of carpooling together to NCRC. Warm, outgoing and passionate about her causes, she was truly special.
My thoughts are with you all.

Sue 

I have known Judy since I was six years old, I am now 57 years old. From the first minute, to this day, and, all of the days to follow, Judy is a giant in my life, and in my family’s lives, she is family. Judy was a second mother to me. She was a lifeline. Judy was wise and compassionate and generous of spirit. Judy was undoubtedly a brilliant intellect and human being all around; with a wicked sense of humor.

Judy had endless love and energy for all of us force. She was a giver in the true sense. But, her children and grandchildren were her up most pride and joy and admiration and love.

It is hard to imagine the world without Judy in it. How can she leave us? We need her!! The world felt like a safer better place with Judy in it!!!!!

Judy was a straight shooter, honest and real to the core; authentic and unique. A true and pure soul.

When someone that we love dies, a part of us dies too. We keep a piece of them alive with us and, they take a piece of us with them…

.. you were the best of the best of Judy Green

Dear Don, Valerie & Melissa, 
My deepest condolences on the loss of Judy. She lived a full life and I remember her always with an open home to family and friends.  Her warm easy going personality and beautiful smile will always stay with me.  She was the quintessential Mom of the neighborhood and we were all fortunate to have known her.  May she rest in peace.  My thoughts and support for the family she left behind as they grieve her departure. 
With love and deep sorrow, 
Isabelle (Izzy) Lass

I was saddened to hear about the passing of dear Judy. We had a common friend, Barbara Harisson. We met often for lunch at Barbara’s home. Judy was always so optimistic, so helpful, so kind to everybody, I adored her emails.  Rest In Peace Judy, we will never forget you. Gilda Vretea-Kornhauser 

I met Judy when I first came to People For the American Way nearly 20 years ago. She was such an anchor of support for me - and for the whole organization. Her wisdom and good cheer, her passion and commitment to helping others was always such a shining beacon. Hers was a life well lived. May she rest in peace.

Marge Baker 

Judy and Don opened their lives, work,  home, and family to everyone making all of us a welcome addition as if we were expected guests.

At People for The American Way, an organization of evolving leadership, mission, and activities for  several decades,  Judy Green was always the real CEO: The Chief Emotional Officer. 

In fact, this is a role that Judy held in all of our lives. A special thank you to Judy and Don, Valerie and Melissa. Holding you in our hearts just as we have always felt that Judy held us.

Steve Katz 
Washington DC

Judy,  We became friends through MWOSH        we had fun times and lunches never to be forgotten.  I will miss you and your menory will forever be eternal.

Judy was for me, as she was for so many others, “home base.” A place to go where you could participate in interesting discussions, good food, and —always—much laughter. You were loved, Judy, and will be remembered—usually with a smile as well as a tear.

It is with sadness to learn of Judy's passing.  We were friends in our  youth and there are so many memories.  My thoughts are with the family at this time of sorrow. You have my deepest sympathy.
Nike Kakavas Cutsumpas, Danbury, Ct

I am so very sorry to hear of Judy's passing.  I have so many wonderful memories of working with, talking with, laughing with Judy in the years we worked together at People for the American Way.  She really was the beating heart of the PFAW staff.  My sincere condolences to her family and to all who held her dear.  What a sense of loss I feel.

Deanna Duby

I met Judy at People for the American Way when I was in my twenties and Judy was wise, and kind and ageless.   She was the heart and soul of PFAW, there for everyone and problem solving all things, small and large. I looked to her for guidance and smart strategic advice and a warm hug.  Sending my love to the Judy’s family who I know she loved fiercely.  

Best,
Lara Bergthold
PFAW Board Chair

OBITUARY

Demetra "Judy" Alafoginis Green

November 8, 1938 – December 24, 2022

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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