Avid reader, talented tennis partner
Published January 10, 2019
YARMOUTH, Maine — Judith Anne Bates Haynes, 79, of Yarmouth, formerly of North Reading, died at home on December 30, 2018.
She was born in Guilford, Maine on February 15, 1939, the daughter of William L. and Betty Mae (Drake) Bates. She attended public schools in Guilford and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Maine in 1961 with a BA in Medical Technology. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Judy was gifted at the art of creating a home. She provided a sense of welcome, warmth and hospitality that were gifts to many. Whether it was to the cottage at Shady Nook in Trenton or to their home in Yarmouth, Judy’s invitations were treasured. Judy had a unique way of providing a sense of belonging that crossed all generations. She extended that welcome to her children’s friends, their spouses and scores of others. She increased that feeling of home by always providing good things to eat. Her desire was that all felt included.
Judy was an avid reader, a passionate Red Sox fan, a competitive mahjong player, and a talented tennis partner. Judy also loved all of the arts, and supported many local organizations. In her sewing room and basement, she expressed her creative ability. She made beautiful gifts of quilts and other items for family, friends, and for church fairs. She often invited others to work along with her in such endeavors.
Judy was a person of faith, and the church was a huge part of her life. She took to heart the words found in Micah 6:8. “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” In often quiet, but powerful ways, Judy worked hard to live into those words. Her generosity in outreach was only surpassed by her generosity of spirit. She had a soft spot for those who struggled along the way. Her thoughtfulness of others touched many.
Her involvement made any community of which she was a part stronger. She helped create The Caring Connection at First Parish Church in Yarmouth which provides care for those in the church in need with visits, cards and meals, and also provides receptions following funerals.
Her impact was also felt at the Union Congregational Church in North Reading, Massachusetts and the Presbyterian Church in Bedford, New York.
Judy was a person who cared deeply about the people and the organizations in her life. She had high standards for us, which helped us to reach our potential. What made these expectations reachable was that they were partnered with her grace and her care; an amazing combination. Judy loved life, loved God’s creation, loved a meal shared and laughter expressed. Judy was a person who expressed gratitude freely and often. She was a person who held great wisdom. Of all the things she treasured, her family was at the top of the list. She will be deeply missed.
Judy is survived by her lifelong companion and husband of more than 57 years, Peter; her sons and their wives, Jeffrey and Beverly, Timothy and Jessa, Christopher and Yuki; her Italian “exchange” son Federico Orsino; seven grandchildren and her brother Jerry and his wife Hope. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother John.
A celebration of her life will be held at The First Parish Congregational Church in Yarmouth, Maine, located at 116 Main Street, on Thursday, January 10 at 11 a.m. The service will be followed by a reception at Camp Hammond at 275 Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, people are invited to make a contribution to Friends of Kakamega, 51 Hunter Road, Freeport, ME 04032 or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine, 250 Brackett Street, Portland, ME 04102.
