Judy Vandyke Anselmo passed away peacefully on October 13th at the age of 71, with her stepchildren and several grandchildren at her side. She was a loving wife to her late husband, Ron, and a loving mom and aunt to her children, Gary (and Paula) Anselmo, Lisa (and Gary) AnselmoMarnach, and her nephew Jonathan McLean. She loved and adored her five grandchildren, Jordan, Gabriel, Carson, Devon, and Korinne, all of whom deeply loved their grandma and will miss her sorely.

Judy was born October 24th, 1954, in Ione, WA, to James Vandyke and Patricia Smith. She spent her childhood in Rosalia, Washington, playing in a nearby creek, riding horses, and thoroughly enjoying small-town life. She later moved with her family to Spokane, Washington. Judy began her professional life as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where she discovered her love for serving others as she took impeccable care of senior citizens. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Whitworth University, she shifted into social work, focusing on employment services for people with support needs. Judy managed a JRC for over a decade and later oversaw multiple programs that helped individuals develop job skills, find employment, and maintain successful employment. Her kindness, focus on putting people first, and ability to draw out people’s skills and strengths made her irreplaceable and inspired her nephew Jon to join her in the field.

Judy became a cherished part of the Anselmo family when the oldest, now 25, was just two years old. She brought so much joy, laughter, and warmth to their childhoods. For many years, she spent a week with the family at a lake cabin, always arriving with plenty of fun snacks, games, and stories to share. She never sat on the sidelines, even jumping into the water with the grandkids with her clothes on. The children especially loved hearing stories about her childhood, which she told with such animation and enthusiasm that they hung on every word. Judy had a special way of connecting with and mentoring each of the grandchildren, leaving a positive and lasting impression on their lives.

Over the years, Judy deeply enjoyed being active in the community. She served as President of the local chapter of the American Italian Club and supported the organization at the state level. In ministry, she became very active in the St. Thomas More St. Vincent de Paul Society, where she served as their spiritual director. She also served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister to the Homebound, was a regular in Adoration, and contributed to faith-formation activities such as Bible study. In whatever role she fulfilled, Judy gave her whole heart fearlessly.

A funeral Mass will be held for Judy at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Spokane, WA, on Thursday, October 29th at 1:30 PM. All family and friends are invited to this service. Rest in peace, Judy. You are loved and will be missed by all who knew you.