Update 11/26/2014: On November 25th, Miss Judy Graves passed away after a battle with cancer. Miss Judy was a delightful person, a lot of fun - she really enjoyed laughing, and making people laugh.  She was a special person beloved by many people within our community, especially those who fist met her as children in her Mommy & Me classes.  She will be missed.

Service Information: In keeping with Miss Judy's wishes, there will not be a traditional wake - instead, there will be a loving memorial service on Thursday, December 4th from 6PM to 9PM at N.F. Walker Funeral Home (87-34 80th Street). The funeral mass will be at 9:45 AM on Friday, December 5th at St. Thomas the Apostle.

I will never forget Miss Judy's contributions in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The offices of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association were full of volunteers - and Miss Judy was a big part of our team. She took to the street and collected donations from passersby - she had a way with people she just met, and that skill paid off during those dark days just over 2 years ago. She collected a few hundred dollars that first day alone.

And when she wasn't collecting money, she took off with her wagon, hitting the stores that she frequented, and coming back with donated items. We had a few boxes in front of our office and people were dropping off stuff -- and Miss Judy would walk off and come back 20 minutes later with a shopping cart full of items. 

Those were long days and Miss Judy's spirit was an inspiration - her good humor a blessing. As you can see, Miss Judy was right in the middle of the action -- 

What follows is our update from November 2009, after Miss Judy had been honored as Woodhaven's Woman of the Year. It was a happy night and one we remember fondly. Our condolences go out to her family, especially her son Sean - may she rest in peace.

On Friday, November 20th 2009, The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association was happy to honor it's Woman of the Year,  Miss Judy Graves of the Mommy and Me Program.  From the souvenir journal handed out at the Dinner Dance:

Miss Judy was introduced by her good friend, and WRBA Director, Arlene Annunziata. 

Here is Miss Judy, preparing to deliver her speech. 

Then, after the speech, Sen. Joe Addabbo paid his respects.

As did Assemblyman Mike Miller --

And then a lovely proclamation from Elizabeth Crowley of the City Council --

Here is video of the evening's festivities -- and Miss Judy's speech -- in two parts.  Part One:

And Part Two:

Nicely done!  Many thanks and congratulations to Miss Judy!  And thanks to all who came out to share the night with her.  And after she was done, she took to the dance floor and had a blast!

If you have any comments, or would like to suggest other projects, drop us a line at info@projectwoodhaven.com or projectwoodhaven@aol.com.  

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