Judy Mae Westerberg was born on September 30, 1948, in Spokane, Washington. She spent her early childhood on her family's wheat farm in Odessa, Washington. In her early teens, Judy's family moved to Ashland, Oregon, where she met her future husband, Bruce Westerberg, and attended Ashland High School.

After graduating from high school, Judy enrolled at Southern Oregon College. In 1969, she married Bruce in Medford, Oregon, and later that year they moved to West Lafayette, Indiana. Judy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Purdue University. After completing her degree, she worked at the Purdue University Library.

In 1974, Judy and Bruce moved to West Deptford, New Jersey. There, Judy worked as an adoption caseworker at Spaulding for Children, helping families throughout South Jersey. Her compassion, wisdom, and warmth touched many lives.

In 1980, Judy and Bruce settled in Kennewick, Washington. While working part-time at the World Association for Children and Parents (WACAP), Judy attended Eastern Washington University and earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in 1983. Soon after, Judy and Bruce welcomed their four children: Elizabeth, Noah, Samuel, and Hannah.

In 1991, Judy joined the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy as a social worker and later moved into leadership roles as Social Services Director and Hospice Director. She completed the Sacred Art of Living Anam Cara Apprenticeship Program and mentored and supervised MSW practicum students. Throughout her career, she supported families with grace and empathy and left a lasting impact on the communities she served. Judy retired in 2014.

Judy will be remembered for her boundless enthusiasm and love for life. She enjoyed traveling with her family and treasured gatherings at the Oregon Coast and the family farm in Ashland. She loved music, theater, and the arts. Judy was an avid reader and loved sharing book recommendations with family and friends. As a devoted parent, Judy actively participated in her children's lives by chaperoning field trips, cheering at sporting events, and supporting her children and grandchildren in all their activities. Her family was her greatest source of happiness, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Judy died on November 17, 2025. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bruce; her four children: Elizabeth; Noah, his fiancée Dianna, and grandson Ayden; Samuel and grandson Caleb; and Hannah, her fiancé Brian, and granddaughter Della. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delmar and Bernice Wacker.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Shalom United Church of Christ, 505 McMurray Street, Richland, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Judy's memory to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties, supporting mental health and well-being, or to Shalom United Church of Christ.

Judy leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her family and friends will forever cherish her memory. Her family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time.