Judy Kauffman

Judy Kauffman was born on June 20, 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio to Carl and Thelma Collins. She later moved to Albuquerque due to her father’s health issues, where she spent most of her life. Judy loved being a part of the New Mexico Rainbow Girls. Later, she graduated from Highland High School: Class of 1964.

Judy spent time in Upper New York, she loved going to see Broadway musicals and walking through museums. Her love for the arts really shined through during her time in New York.

Judy met her husband, Herb, at a common friends poker game. Their first date was to see the movie “The Ten Commandments”. They fell in love, married and had their only son, Michael (Mike). Judy loved being a Mom more than anything else.

Judy had a love for people and loved being the activities director at a nursing home. She also enjoyed putting flowers together and seeing peoples smiling faces as they received flowers at a flower shop. She enjoyed a lifelong hobby of showing her creativity and making flowers for any occasion.  Judy’s final employment was at University Hospital Centralized Scheduling and she enjoyed all her coworkers there up until her retirement in 2012.

Judy and Herb enjoyed traveling. Judy especially enjoyed annual camping trips with longtime friend Celine and Judy’s “native family”. Judy loved crafting and sewing. She had a pure talent of making something out of nothing. Judy especially loved decorating for every holiday.

Judy’s favorite part in life was becoming a grandmother. She loved spending time with Marcus, Michael, Angelique and Jacob. She loved to listen to Marcus joke around, and didn’t mind when Mikey went on about his football stories. Her and Angel enjoyed crafts together and Jacob was Grandmas little monster!

None of this truly describes the light that shined through Judy. She was the type of person that if you met her twice, you became family. She opened her heart to everyone and was always willing to give the shirt off her back or even fill your fridge with groceries. She never judged anyone no matter the situation and lived her life carefree of others judgements. She always looked on the bright side of life, no matter the situation. A friend could be in the worse situation and she’d fine a bright side and even help to bring a smile to their face. Her laughter always filled a room and her personality was bold and beautiful. The world will definitely be missing a shining star without Judy here to shine bright.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Herbert Kauffman; son, Michael Kauffman and wife, Carolyn; Judy was an amazing grandmother to Marcus, Michael, Angelique and Jacob. Judy was proceeded in death by parents, Carl and Thelma Collins. She will be greatly missed by many who love and admire her.