Judith Mae Hedrick

Judith Mae Hedrick was born January 24, 1938 in Astoria, OR. She died on March 2, 2018 surrounded by family. She was preceded in death in 2016 by her beloved husband, Laurin "Gene" Hedrick to whom she was married almost 60 years, as well as their daughter Lori in 1976. Judie is survived her children Mike (Julie), Lisa (Pete), Linda (Mike) and Lynn (Scott). Her Grandsons Jered, Neil and Alex; Granddaughters Amy (Brian), Robyn (Greg), Renee, Lindsey (Alex), Violet, Mia, Summer and Shaye. She also is survived by her great-grandchildren Caydence, Paisley, Delaney and Everett. Judie graduated from Cleveland High School in 1955 and began working for the telephone company. She met the love of her life, Gene, in 1956 at the Pig & Pancake in Seaside. They married in 1957 and their first child was born later that year. Judie and Gene moved to The Dalles in 1961 where she devoted herself to raising their family while Gene taught and coached at The Dalles HS and later at Wasco County Union HS in Maupin. She loved raising her family in small towns and they enjoyed many friends and great times living in The Dalles and Maupin until moving back to Portland in 1971. Judie worked at Montgomery Wards for many years, retiring in the early 90's. Judie and Gene doted on their grandchildren and spent many years enjoying every activity the kids were involved in. It was rare that they missed going to any event. They moved to Vancouver in 2008 and made many treasured friends in their retirement community. Judie enjoyed going to ladies club, playing bridge, taking dance and tai chi classes as well as movie nights at the clubhouse. She even performed with her dance group, the Touchmark Tootsies. Most people would have never guessed her age, because she looked far younger than her years! Throughout their long retirement, she & Gene enjoyed many cruises as well as trips around the United States. Our family is grateful to have had the most loving, devoted mother and grandmother we could have ever hoped for. There was never a more gracious and kind lady. The strength of character she showed after her cancer diagnosis in 2017 was something to be in awe of, and her only thoughts were of her family, never of herself. She made the best apple pies in the world. While she wasn't raised with her family of origin, she always felt a connection to her Finnish heritage and made delicious Finnish cardamom bread at Christmas that will always remind us of her. We owe a deep gratitude to Deanna and her amazing staff of The Meadows AFH in Battle Ground for caring so lovingly for mom in her final days. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to The Arc of Southwest Washington.

Judith Mae Hedrick

January 24, 1938 - March 2, 2018