Brighton NY: Judith Tappan Walter passed away at her home on Sunday, March 13, 2016. Born July 23, 1940, Judy was the daughter of the late Thomas and Bernice Tappan and the former spouse of the late Robert J Walter. She is survived by her daughters Julia Walter Larkin and her husband Tom and Claire Walter and her partner Ken Kirchgessner, and grandchildren Tommy and Katie Larkin.
Judy was a happy grandmother and an active Smith College alumna. She was a longtime member of the Downtown United Presbyterian Church and took joy in singing with the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus. Judy enjoyed her many years and co-workers as a library employee, first at the Rochester Public Library then in the Kodak Research Labs and after retirement at the Brighton Memorial Library. She lived in Brighton for most of her adult life. After a miraculous “graduation” from hospice at the Pines of Peace, she especially enjoyed her home in the Legacy at Clover Blossom where she reconnected with some old friends and made many new ones. We will remember her smile, her warmth, and her love for life, family and friends.
Please join us for a celebration of Judy’s life on Sunday, March 20, at 2 pm at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N Fitzhugh St, Rochester, NY 14614.
Those wishing may direct donations in Judy’s memory to the Pines of Peace, 2378 Ridge Rd, Ontario, NY 14519.
So sorry to hear about your mom. I remember her fondly when I worked at Kodak.
i remember meeting judy at highland hospital she was my neighbor and we chatted for a bit while we both were getting treatment upstairs what a wonderful woman i am so sorry to hear about your mom aunt claire God bless
We are deeply saddened by Judy’s passing. We’ll remember her for her smile, charm and witty responses. But, most of all we’ll remember her for her friendship. Her work will never be forgotten.
On behalf of Legacy at Clover Blossom all of us miss Judy. The warmth she brought to our community was truly a gift. Her brilliant smile and effervescent spirit are with us always. We miss you Judy.
The smile in the accompanying photo captures Judy so well. She was sunshine to be around. There is a such a beautiful life to celebrate. May we all be as giving to others as she was. At this point, her only regret is probably being pulled away from family and friends. But she is reconnecting with others right now, I’m sure
My family sends love and condolences to the Walter family and friends. We loved Judy and will miss seeing her lovely smile on Sunday mornings. She is now one of our many saints.
Thinking of you, Julia & Tom and sorry for your loss…….
I, and many, will miss her, especially the Nu Couples Club. Who will be in charge of making sure we have good weather when we had outdoor gatherings? Nice photo in front of books!
Judy was a pleasure to work with @ BML.
My heart goes out to Claire, Julia, and all of Judy’s loved ones on your loss. She will be greatly missed.
Judy Rosenberg
I was greeted by Judy every day, first thing in the AM, when I came to work @ the Brighton Memorial Library. She was missed when she left BML and she will be missed even more now.
I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family. May your loving memories of Judy stay with you always and, in time, bring you strength and happiness.
Judy was my best friend in high school. Her quirky sense of humor never seemed to lapse and I loved her e-mails that reflected her humor. My deepest sympathies to her family. We have lost a gem.
Anne Hufford
I’m Anne Hufford’s “little brother”. Our parents were best of friends. Judy Tappan was a part of her family and she like my sister treated like her little brother as well. I followed Judy via my sister. I will miss those forwarded emails. I can still her laugh.
Hello to Julia and Claire and families.We talk about your mom a lot as one of our “graduates”. It was very nice of you to mention and remember us. We very much enjoyed the time she was here, a very intelligent and unique person. I am sorry for your loss and the loss of you dad since we last saw you. I am so glad I got to meet you all. Sincerely, Vicki LaRocque
I will always remember the early morning talks with Judy at Brighton Library. Over the years we shared our lives and I feel like I came to know all of you, her family. We were all sad to see her leave.
Sending you my sincerest condolences.
Dear Julia,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May your Mom rest in peace.
Diana and Ivan
Things that remind us of Judy: Orange marmalade, puzzles,
Herkimer diamonds, pea soup, lobster, maple syrup, Rock collecting, her love of driving, summers in Chester and a broken arm. Most of all great hugs. Love, NH Morse Family