The life of the party with a sarcastic sense of humor

MELROSE — Judith M. (Trodden) “Judie” Moran, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Winchester Hospital on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at age 81.

Judie was born in Lynn on May 28, 1941, and was one of five children of the late William F. Trodden and Agnes F. (Devlin) Trodden. Raised in Cambridge, she graduated from North Cambridge Catholic High School, and married the love of her life, David Moran, at St. Joseph’s Church in Malden on June 8, 1963. They settled in Melrose in 1972 to raise a family of four children. Judie worked as a legal secretary in Boston for many years.

To say Judie was the life of the party would be an understatement. She had a keen sense of who people were, and connected easily with her Irish wit, and quick smile. She made everyone comfortable with her sarcastic sense of humor and welcomed everyone with open arms and lots of food. The Moran family home served as a central gathering place for generations of family, and friends growing up, and everyone loved being around Judie. Sunday dinners were mandatory in the Moran household, and the more the merrier. Give Judie a reason to celebrate, and she would not miss it, she was always ready with her quick wit and easy laughter.

Judie dearly loved her family, and filled her life with moments to share together. She loved vacation time on Cape Cod in August every year, mostly to spend time gathering everyone together. She even doted on her favorite grand-dog, Jake, who she loved with all of her heart. Judie was a devout parishioner of St. Mary’s Church for many years, and lived her faith everyday.

Judie will be deeply and sorely missed, but the love she shared with family and friends will carry on through generations as her lasting legacy. May she rest in peace.

Judie was the beloved wife of David G. Moran with whom she shared nearly 60 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Brian Moran and his wife Donna Monroe of Taunton, Nancy Hume and her husband Donald of Wakefield, Stephen Moran and his wife Julie of Braintree, and Michael Moran and his wife Nancy of Melrose. Dear sister of Barbara Reilly and her late husband Thomas of Peabody, John Trodden and his late wife Maureen of Melbourne, Fla., and the late Michael Trodden and his surviving wife Patricia of Melrose, and the late Nancy Fisher and her surviving husband John of Beverly. Cherished grandmother of Brandon, Devon, Errica, Luke, Caroline, Elizabeth, Sean, Meghan, and her favorite playmate, Jake. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to gather in honor of Judie during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, April 19 from 4-8 p.m., and again on Thursday at 8:45 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Joseph’s Church, 770 Salem St., Malden for her funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gift in Judie’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.