Judith Ann (Hosmer) Garrett

Judith Ann (Hosmer) Garrett, a longtime resident of Montgomery NY, passed away on September 24, 2024 in Arlington MA. She was 88.

Judy was born on March 8, 1936 in Worcester MA, the first of three children, to John Hosmer and Marguerite (Ludden) Hosmer. She graduated from Worcester State College in 1957. She was married from 1959-1977 to William C. Hees and they raised 3 sons in New Hyde Park and Dix Hills NY.

In 1980 Judy married Howard Garrett. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage together, first in New York City, then moving to Montgomery NY in 1986 to make their permanent home. After Howard's passing in 2020, Judy moved to Massachusetts to be near her son Bill.

Judy had many artistic interests throughout her life. She was a gifted musician and played piano semi-professionally, as well as playing organ and piano in several churches and composing original pieces. She sang in the Huntington Choral Society where she met Howard, and later sang in a small a capella jazz group. She helped Howard run the Grand Montgomery Chamber Music Series for 31 years, along with a music appreciation group that met regularly at their historic Victorian home. In her teens she played drums in a bagpipe band. She worked in ceramics in her early adult years, and in later years was an enthusiastic quilter and weaver. Her art quilts were exhibited at Orange County Community College. She also enjoyed gardening and was a Master Gardener Volunteer. Other interests included hiking, kayaking, world travel with Howard, their pets, and peace activism during the Iraq War.

Judy taught elementary school on Long Island; years later, she filled in as a substitute teacher after the East Coldenham Elementary School was hit by a tornado in 1989. She worked as a proofreader and editor in New York for several years, then ran her own business selling kaleidoscopes. In Montgomery she drove a rural postal route.

Judy and Howard were long-time members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern, where they contributed their time, talent and treasure for three decades. There, Judy played piano for Sunday services and met many of her lifetime friends.

Judy was predeceased by her beloved husband Howard, and her sister Gail Gerbers.

Survivors include her brother Philip Hosmer; her sons Philip, David and William (Bill) Hees; her grandchildren Rachel, David, Andrew, Madison, Jeremy, Harrison and Oliver; her great-grandchildren Emerson (West) and Emmeline; Howard's children Deborah Arcuri and Harvey Garrett, his grandchildren Michael and Gabriel, and his great-grandchildren Lily and Lincoln.

Visitation will be Saturday October 5th, 10:00 am-11:00am, at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St, Walden NY 12586. A funeral service will follow at Wallkill Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern, PO Box 502, Washingtonville NY 10992.

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