Judith Anne (Berry) Currie

Judith Anne Berry Currie of Needham died on June 29th 2023 with family present after a long illness. She leaves her husband of 62 years John Currie, daughter Nancy of Brookfield, son Tom and his wife Elisa of Natick and son James of Dalton. She leaves her sister Linda Chesner of Trumbull CT, sister in law Jane Taylor of Huntley, Il. She leaves her grandchildren; William and Grace Cook; Isabelle and Alexander Currie and Rose Currie; and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her Parents Gertrude and Luther Berry; her sister Lois Koval; and Brothers in Law- William Taylor and Thomas Chesner.

Judy grew up singing with her sisters and mother in Union New Jersey and was active with her father in all town girl’s sports. She graduated Union High School and went on to Kean College completing her Bachelor's Degree at Boston University and going on to teach kindergarten in Newton Lower Falls until 1964.

She and Jack joined both Carter Memorial United Methodist Church and Old Sturbridge Village not long after their marriage in 1961. They were very active in both organizations. At Carter Church Judy was an active member of Circle, a Sunday School Teacher, Leader of the Young Adults Group in the late 60s and through the 70s. She also directed the children and youth Choirs for decades. Judy was a musician to the core. She was a paid soloist for decades at local churches, and as the Music Director for the First Baptist Church of Needham throughout the 1980s and 90s. She participated in any choir that was held at Carter and particularly enjoyed the bell choir. Judy was active in the Needham Concert Society and Interfaith Choir. Judy was most proud of her efforts to bring the Messiah Sing to Needham, and the many years she coordinated and directed the program in the 80s and 90s.

Judy was born and raised with a strong faith in God and lived her life as a woman of God. In her 60s she decided to continue her journey of Faith at Andover Newton Theological Schools where she completed the Master’s program but chose not to pursue the credited degree or paid ministry. She did not tire in her pursuit of her strong relationship with God.

When not singing Judy enjoyed working at various other jobs in Needham. The job she enjoyed the most was at Allen Hardware. She was the expert there and came to know so many Needhamites that way. She was also a substitute teacher at Needham Public Schools both in Music and general topics during much of the 1970s and 80s. She was an active member of Old Sturbridge Village and served as an Overseer for several years. During their retirement years Jack and Judy frequently traveled the country in their motor home with their dog. This travel and time alone together was treasured.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sat Sept 16 at 11 AM in the Carter Memorial United Methodist Church 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Carter Memorial United Methodist Church https://www.carterumc.org/give.php

http://www.carterumc.org/give.php

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