SOUTH PORTLAND – Judith Anne (Ready) McSwigin, a lover of beaches, George Strait, and Christmas, died peacefully at Gosnell Hospice House on Feb. 10, 2022. She was 83.

Born in New Hampshire, Judy moved to Maine as a child and stayed for the rest of her life. She married the love of her life, Charlie “Buddy” McSwigin, in 1963. After a brief stint in Cape Elizabeth, they settled down near wonderful Willard Beach in South Portland.

Judy and Charlie were avid beach goers and happily spent the weekend at Foxwoods whenever possible. Devoted line dancers, they were members of the Four Seasons Country Dancers, and Judy served as the dance club secretary. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas and Saint Patrick’s Day, and she excelled at decorating not only her home but also her earrings, sweatshirts, and fingernails. Judy liked playing games on the computer, bowling, and being with her cats.

Though Judy and Charlie did not start a biological family, they built community everywhere they went. In addition to their many close friends, they were integral honorary members of multiple families over the years.

Judy spent her career in insurance and worked her way steadily up the ladder before ultimately retiring from Patrons Oxford Insurance, where she was a claims adjuster. Retirement didn’t come naturally to a social woman who loved to keep busy, and Judy put herself to work at Lyric Music Theater and Uncle Don’s Spurwink Country Kitchen. In both places, she left her mark not only through her dedication but also through her innate ability to cultivate connection with others.

In time, Judy had worsening of her dementia, and she spent her final years at Stroudwater Lodge. There, even as her mind changed, she still managed to create meaningful friendships with their wonderful staff and continued one of her favorite activities – a daily walk.

Judy’s beloved husband, Charlie, died in 1996, and she never looked for another romantic relationship. In her final days, one of her nurses heard her calling out for “Buddy.” Though we will miss Judy terribly, we hope the two of them are enjoying a raucous, long-awaited reunion.

A celebration of Judy’s life will take place at Willard Beach in the spring. Please let Hobbs Funeral Home know if you would like to be included.

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