Judy O. Findeisen, a longtime Killington resident and avid skier, passed away on Jan. 22 at the age of 92.
Born Oct.13, 1932, in Newport, Rhode Island, Judy was the oldest of Dorothy and Arnold Openshaw’s three children. She grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, swimming, horseback riding, and skiing. While attending St. Lawrence University, she met and fell in love with Walter T.C. Findeisen. They were married July 8, 1953, in Coronado, California.
In 1960, having moved from California to Long Island, Judy and Walt purchased property in Killington. In early 1962, with their two young sons and a dog, they moved to Vermont, living in a tent from early May until mid-October. By day, Judy worked in the Killington ski shop, while Walt was working on the trail crew. Nights and weekends were devoted to building a home. A year later, they welcomed their daughter, Tami, into the new house in the woods. Six short years later, they were at it again, building and then operating Timbers Lodge. Judy ran the lodge, which included breakfast and dinner for guests.
In addition to raising her family, Judy held many jobs, including retail sales, school bus driver, bank teller, vacation lodge owner/manager, chef, and housekeeping.
In 1976, Judy began her career in real estate, working alongside her husband Walt at Martin Associates Mountain Real Estate in Killington. She retired in 2020.
Judy was very active in the small but growing Killington community. She was one of the founding members of the Sherburne Women’s Club and the Sherburne Co-operative Nursery School.
She was an active member of the Killington Ski Club, helping to start what is now the annual ski sale. She was elected Justice of the Peace in 1987 and served until 2010.Later, she enjoyed traveling with Walt and her friends and became an active member of the Rutland Garden Club.
Judy is survived by her son Walter (Miriam), son Jeff (Kim), daughter Tami, grandchildren Courtney (Nate), Marc and Sarah, and great-grandson Parker. She is also survived by her sister Lass and sisters-in-law Babs, Ginny, Janice, Pam, and many nieces and nephews.She was pre-deceased by her husband Walt, her brother Jim, and brothers-in-law John and Charlie.
