Judith Kelsey Hale,71, of Fitchburg, MA, formerly of Portland, CT

FITCHBURG,MASS.>> JudithLee (Kelsey) Hale, 71, of Fitchburg, MA and former longtime resident of Portland, CT, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 3, 2013. Judy was born January 5, 1942 to Edwin P. and Helen M. Kelsey of Great Hill Road, Portland, CT, where she grew up and graduated as valedictorian of PHS Class of 1960. She attended Becker College in Worcester, MA, then worked as an engineering aide at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT.

In 1962 she married Portland resident and PHS classmate George W. Hale. They built a home on Kelsey family land on Great Hill Road, where their two sons, Jim and Tim, were born.

In 1974, the family moved to Plymouth, MA, where their sons grew up. For several years, Judy worked part-time at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but her whole-hearted focus was on raising her sons, attending their many sporting events, and encouraging them to become excellent students and caring human beings.

After George retired as Produce Buyer for the Stop and Shop Corp., Judy and George spent more than ten happy years in Virginia. In 2007, they moved to Fitchburg, MA to be nearer their family.

Besides being a math whiz and a writer with style and wit, Judy was known throughout her life for her creativity and many artistic accomplishments. In her younger years, she designed and sewed everything from prize-winning doll clothes to evening gowns and tailored suits. For almost 60 years, she was an avid knitter, quilter, and creator of children’s toys, especially her unique style of fashionista sock monkeys. She was also a talented sketch artist and painter. More recently, she found great fulfillment in compiling magnificent memory books for her cherished grandchildren.

Judy is survived by husband George, and two sons, James and his wife Suzanne of Plymouth, MA with granddaughter Ashley; and Timothy and his wife Tammy of Shirley, MA, with granddaughter Alexa and grandsons Christopher and Ethan. She also leaves sister, Sue Kelsey Tester and brother-in-law Jefferson, of Ithaca, NY, as well as beloved nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Interment will be at Center Cemetery, Portland. By Judy’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, or to the American Cancer Society. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net. Portland Memorial Funeral Home at 231 Main Street, Portland, CT has care of the arrangements.