WOLFEBORO, N.H. — Judith L. “Judie” Frey, 72, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014 at Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, N.H.
Judie was born in Melrose on March 11, 1942 and was one of two children of the late Henry M. and Frances (Tash) Tanner. Raised in Melrose, she continued living in Melrose throughout her life. Judie was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader and graduated from Bay State Junior College. Through her unconditional love and personal strength, she raised her five children while also working several parttime jobs. After they had grown, Judie’s working career continued as a sales representative at Avis, traveling to East Boston rain or shine. With her strong work ethic and determined mind, Judie worked right up until her passing and nearly reached her goal of working for 30 years at Avis. It was not always easy but she never complained and carried her good nature through it all.
Judie was a great cook, known for her famous chocolate cake and chocolate brownies. She enjoyed collecting Revolutionary War coins, baseball cards and unique ceramic elephants that she kept on display around the house. She also enjoyed documenting family events through photo albums which she frequently gave as presents to her family and friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching the local Boston sports team and was a season ticket holder of the Boston Bruins for many years.
Judie was always ready for a good time, was the life of the party and never took life too seriously. With a great sense of humor and love of laughter, Judie’s home was always welcoming and served as the second home to many neighborhood kids. She had several great longtime friends that she loved spending time with and was incredibly caring and giving to her family. She somehow managed to never lose a game of “Skipbo” in her life, and entertained her grandchildren with her perfect record. She will be lovingly remembered for her strength, sense of humor and love for her family.
Judie was the beloved companion of the late Robert J. Butt. She was the devoted mother of Laurie A. Lucey and her husband Gary of Georgetown; Cheryl A. Marchant and her husband Paul of Melrose; Joseph E. Frey Jr. and his wife Pam of Ipswich; and Wendy L. Frey of Dorchester, and Kenneth J. Frey of Pittsfield. She was the dear sister of Henry M. Tanner of Wakefield. She was the loving grandmother of Jennifer L. Vangelist of Georgetown, Cheri L. Horton and her husband Timothy of Melrose; Makayla F. Lucey of Georgetown; Ashley A. Keohan of Melrose; Paul William Marchant Jr. of Malden; Michelle M. Marchant of Methuen; Lisa P. Reichlen and her husband Michael of North Andover; Eric Frey and his wife Haley of North Andover; Kristen Hollis and her husband Aaron of Dorchester; Timothy Frey of Boston, and Judy Frey of Revere. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Judie’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 4-8 p.m. Judie’s funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 645 Main St., Melrose on Friday at 10 a.m. Interment will take place in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.