Judith Markley Obituary

Judith Markley

Loudon, NH - LOUDON, NH - Judith (Walsh) Markley, 81, passed on October 23, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Terry Markley. Judy is survived by her daughters Melinda Bean and Lisa Markley, as well as by her family of 4 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who adored her.

Judy was born December 29, 1941, in Chicago, IL. She was the daughter of Thomas and Claudia (Russell) Walsh. Judy graduated from Leyden High School in 1959. She was always a talented athlete and was a proud member of the Girls Athletic Association. Judy married Terry in 1960. After starting their family, the couple began a new adventure in 1968 and moved to what would become the family home to four generations in Loudon, NH.

As a young mother, she shared an idyllic life with her daughters and husband. She learned to can vegetables and boil maple syrup. There were hikes and pony rides, snowshoeing and fishing and weekly trips to Maxfield Public Library. Judy discovered a talent for writing and had several articles published in local magazines. She discovered a new hobby with bottle digging, turning over cellar holes all over NH. Her prized possessions were two Shaker bottles which were unearthed and held over her head with a little victory dance. Her vegetable garden was an abundant work of art which she tended to every day while listening to talk radio or Red Sox games. Family vacations were spent driving all over the country in a Volkswagen beetle, camping and visiting historical sites.

She suffered a setback in her twenties when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite a grim prognosis, she battled the debilitating disease for over 50 years, defying the odds and facing every difficulty like a warrior.

Judy made many lifelong friends with her easygoing manner, sincere nature and ability to make others feel at ease. She worked as a teller at Concord National Bank and volunteered as a teacher's assistant at

Merrimack Valley Middle School. She spent many years working for NH Sweepstakes, where she made lifelong friends.

Before returning in retirement to Loudon, Judy and Terry spent nearly 20 years in Auburn, NH, where they built a house, enjoyed gardening and bird watching and threw epic Fourth of July parties. Their travels took them to nearly every state in the country with a special fondness for Montana.

Her many interests included politics, sports and reading, as well as an eclectic taste in music which gave her great comfort. She was a lifelong Cubs fan who finally got to see them win it all in 2016. Judy became an avid Boston sports fan and her love for coffee and ice cream were unmatched. She was cherished by her family and her loss leaves a large void that will be filled with memories of laughter and unconditional love.

Along with her daughters, Judy leaves her son in law Kim Bean, of Loudon, who along with wife Melinda, provided a safe and loving home for Judy on the family compound. She enjoyed a special relationship with her daughter Lisa who ventured away from Cape Cod often to share favorite activities and establish their motto of "We do what we want ' which often included ice cream for breakfast. Judy also leaves her beloved grandchildren and their equally loved spouses; Michael Bean and Nichola Meserve, of Boxford, MA; Stephen and Suzy Bean; Jennifer and Jayson Leonard; and Susan and Ben Gelinas, all of Loudon.

The 10 great grandchildren who brought love and laughter into Judy's life over the past 22 years were Christopher, Haleigh and Nicholas Gelinas; Audrey and Taylor Leonard; Scarlett and Evan Bean; and Charlie, Stevie and Blake Bean.

Judy leaves a beloved nephew George Emrich and his wife Paulette of Manchester; as well as Jaye Emrich, the wife of her late nephew Leon. She also leaves her cousins Lynne Cox, of Stockton, MO, and Jean Adams, of Woodstock, IL. She will join her lifelong friends who predeceased her and brought such joy and laughter into her life; Sandra Kimball, Evie Corliss and Theresa Clark.

Judy will be interred with Terry at the NH Veterans Cemetery in a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, Judy requested that donations in her memory be made to the Leonard Family Fund, J&D Repairs, 56 Mudgett Hill Rd, Loudon, NH, 03307. Any funds received will be used to assist Jeff Leonard as he begins his current health battle.

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Judy at the home of Kim and Melinda Bean on November 2 at 12 noon.

In her honor, read a book, eat some ice cream and listen to the birds today.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bennett Funeral Home in Concord.