Judith M. “Judy” (Livingstone) DiPalma, 68

Judith M. “Judy” (Livingstone) DiPalma, age 68, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on March 13^th, 2013 at the Sunny Acres Nursing Center in Chelmsford, surrounded by her loving family.  Judy was born in Boston on April 30, 1944.  She was the cherished daughter of the late Roderick and Nellie (McCullen) Livingstone.  Judy was raised in Hyde Park and was a graduate of Hyde Park High School.  After high school, Judy took a job at Sears in the Fenway and worked her way up to division manager.

Judy was married to the love of her life, Robert “Bob” DiPalma in 1965.  Judy and Bob began to raise a family.  They were blessed with two daughters, Paula and Pamela, and the family moved to Wilmington in 1975, where they have had a huge impact on the community ever since.  Judy got involved with schools that the kids attended, became a member of the PTA, volunteered with the Girl Scouts, and even started a Brownie Troop, since her girls were too young for Scouts.

At the young age of 22, Judy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  Judy not only fought through her illness, she strived from it.  She served as a peer counselor for the M.S. Society, helping others who have been diagnosed.  She was also a reliable volunteer for the organization, helping them in whatever was needed, including fundraising.  Judy was led through this time not only with the love and support of her family and friends, but also her strong belief in God.  Judy was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Newton. The church was a big part of her life.  She attended services there as a child and was also married in the church.  Judy remained very involved in the church and they will miss her presence greatly.

One of Judy’s greatest accomplishments was when she started the A.I.M. Group in Wilmington.  This was a social event for people of all handicaps and a chance for other people to volunteer.  The group has grown over the years and is still going strong, meeting once a week in Wilmington and giving people the opportunity to get out and meet new members.  With all the work she has done over the years, countless hours of volunteering, Judy was recognized by the Town of Wilmington as the “Wilmington Good Guy” in 1986.  The community will always be grateful for having such a kind, caring and giving person in it.

Judy’s most important thing in life was her family.  Her love and devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren were unmatched.  She lived for her four grandchildren Robert, Gabrielle, Danielle and Troy, Judy loved to have them around and talk about them to whoever would listen.  She was a wonderful woman who had the respect and admiration of all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Judy was the beloved wife of Robert A. DiPalma of Wilmington. She was the loving mother of Paula A. Dierking and her husband John of Mesa, AZ, and Pamela L. Marcinkewich and her husband Walter of Tyngsborough.  Judy was the devoted grandmother of Robert and Gabrielle Dierking and Danielle and Troy Marcinkewich.  She was the dear sister of David Livingstone and his wife Sandell, Carol Filiccia and her husband Ralph and the late Alice Jenkins.  Judy is also survived by her mother-in-law, Josephine DiPalma of Chelmsford and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends will gather for a funeral service on Saturday, March 16^th, 2013 at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rt. 62), Wilmington, at 10:00 a.m.   Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 15^th, from 3-8 p.m. Memorial donations in Judy’s name can be made to A.I.M., c/o Elizabeth Peters, 16 Fairmeadow Rd., Wilmington, MA  01887.