September 1, 1938 – July 29, 2022 Judith (“Judy”) Rothman lost her life to cancer on July 29. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Don, and three children: Matt (Tanya), Marisa (David) and Marc (Edyta). She was also a beloved grandmother to Vince, Ryan, Charlie and Emma.
Judy was born on September 1, 1938, in Milwaukee. She moved to Los Angeles at age 8 with her parents, David and Ann Charness, and her brother, James. Judy attended University High School, graduating second out of 500 students in her class.
Thereafter, Judy graduated summa cum laude from UCLA, where she was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa key her junior year and membership in the Mortar Board Honor Society. She was also president of her college sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, where she met and maintained many lifelong friendships. It was at a sorority mixer she met her future husband, Don. His vivacious personality complimented her thoughtful, quiet demeanor. The pair would spend the next six decades together raising a family, building successful careers, cultivating rich friendships, traveling the world (her favorite destination: London), and never leaving each other’s side.
After graduating from UCLA, Judy earned a master’s in social work (MSW) from USC and went on to practice as a psychotherapist for more than 50 years. While she spent a lifetime in private practice, Judy also gave of herself as an active volunteer. She lectured at the UCLA School of Medicine and at the Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai Hospital as an expert in mother-infant parenting. She also volunteered at Stuart House in Santa Monica, which specializes in the treatment of sexually abused children, and with the Salvation Army’s program for homeless mothers. Rounding out her hands-on volunteering, she gave time to the Suicide Prevention Center and as a LACMA lecturer.
On a personal level, Judy loved walking with friends, the theatre, her book clubs, Pilates, and spending summers in Newport Beach. She also loved each and every pet dog the family had over the years. Her family will particularly miss her unusual but delicious Thanksgiving stuffing and the noodle kugel passed down from her mother.
A private memorial service was held earlier this month. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Stuart House in Santa Monica.
Published by Los Angeles Times from Aug. 14 to Aug. 16, 2022.
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