On Sunday, December 4, Judith Mae Navickas, surrounded by her loving family, "slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God". Born Judith Nichols in Waterbury, Connecticut on May 15, 1940, at the age of 10 Judy met the man who would become her life-long partner, best friend, and co-conspirator in life Jim Navickas. Married on November 7, 1959 they spent 57 years together living a true love story, partnering to raise a family and found and run successful small businesses while touching the lives of all they met. Together they raised three children and spoiled nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. With an impeccable eye for style and beauty, while raising a family in Sou th Pasadena, California, Judy and Jim opened and ran a flower shop in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles. When circumstances dictated, Judy and Jim moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and opened a flower shop in Scottsdale. In 1998 Judy and Jim retired and moved to Roseville, California. While there Judy quickly established herself as a "go-to" person in the neighborhood, including being involved in her weekly mahjongg club, providing meals to elderly neighbors, and offering unwavering friendship, support and comfort to all with whom she came in contact. Then in 2013 Judy and Jim moved to Magnolia, Texas to be near family.

Judy possessed many considerable skills and had remarkable compassion, as evidenced by her passion and love for animals. She was an accomplished artist, creating beautiful paintings, floral arrangements, and handmade dolls for her grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and culinary master, continually giving lessons and tips to her daughters and granddaughters. Even as her days here on earth waned, Judy touched the lives of all who came to know her. A special thank you is given to the staff of St. Luke's Hospital who made her last days so much more comfortable.

Judy is survived by her loving husband James Richard Navickas; three children, James Navickas Jr. (Danielle), Kimberly Webb (Richard), and Candace Quattlebaum (Bland); nine grandchildren, Jennifer Cappalo (Jeremy), Sara Judah (Preston), Judith Tincher, Thomas Webb, Michael Webb, Katherine Quattlebaum, Charles Quattlebaum, James Navickas III, and Colin Navickas; and three great-grandchildren, Victoria Navickas, Amelia Cappalo, and Ariah Navickas.

A celebration of Judy's life is planned for late-January in Magnolia. We are working to provide a live-streaming internet service so that those who cannot attend in person will be able to participate. If you would like to receive further information regarding the celebration, contact Kim Webb at kjwebb47@gmail.com and/or Candy Quattlebaum at candacequattlebaum@gmail.com.