Judith (King) Whitaker

Judith (KIng) Whitaker, 79, of Commonwealth Avenue in Northfield, passed away on April 19, 2016 at Buckley Health Care Center after a period of declining health.
     She was born on Feb. 11, 1937, in Boston and was raised by her loving grandparents, Percy and Edna Brown of Malden, and Grace King of Greenfield. She attended schools in Malden and graduated from Classical High School in Springfield in 1954.
     Judith’s early ambition was to be a registered nurse. She graduated from Franklin County Public Hospital School of Nursing in Greenfield in 1957.
     While in nursing school, she met and fell in love with Robert E. Whitaker of Orange. They were married on November 10, 1956, at Second Congregational Church in Greenfield. They made their home in Orange where they bought and restored several houses. In 1969 they moved their family to Northfield.
     Judith was a registered nurse at Franklin County Public Hospital and a public health and school nurse in Northfield. She and Robert specialized in the antique car business and owned and operated Vintage Automobiles of Northfield for more than 35 years. They were members of many antique car organizations, and their business introduced them to many dear friends in this county and in Europe.
     A past member of the Orange Women’s Club, Judith was a long-time member of the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Northfield. She served the church as its clerk, Sunday school teacher, and choir member. She was a member of the Friends of the Dickinson Memorial Library in Northfield and the Franklin County Public Hospital Alumnae Association.
     An accomplished seamstress and knitter, she enjoyed singing and playing the piano, drawing, painting, reading, and cooking. Her focus was on her family and creating a loving home where they gathered.
     Judith is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Robert, and her four daughters; Kimberly Whitaker of Winchester, NH, Paula Whitaker Carr of Northfield, Kristin Tyler and her husband Donald Tyler of Northfield, and Penney Betsold and her husband Matthew Betsold of Turners Falls.
     Judith was the loving and proud grandmother (“Mimi”) to; Hannah (Tyler) O’Connell and her husband Thomas O’Connell of Dummerston, VT, Elizabeth Giknis of Boston, Allison Giknis of Westfield, Katherine Giknis of Waltham, Alexander Betsold of Lawrence, KS, Gregory Betsold of Turners Falls, Abigail Carr and Lena Carr of Northfield, and one great grandson Kayden O’Connell of Dummerston, VT
     She also leaves her sister-in-law, Julia (Whitaker) Russell and her husband Donald of Springfield, and her brother-in-law Kenneth Whitaker and his wife Barbara of Groveland, FL, as well as aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
     The family greatly appreciates the loving care provided to Judith by the Buckley Health Care Center, and they extend their special thanks to the fourth floor staff.
     A private graveside service will be held at Pentecost Cemetery in Northfield.
     There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on a future date.
    

 Service Information