Judith “Judy” Grace (Duncklee) Lanza died Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in Clinton Hospital after an illness. She was born October 11, 1938 in Nashua, NH the daughter of the (late) Irving and Maxine (Wells) Duncklee. She has been a resident of Leominster for many years.
She leaves her children, Anthony Lanza and his companion Helen of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, Anne Sowerbutts and her husband Don of Leominster, John Lanza and his wife Jan of Natick and Maria Litalien and her husband David of Leominster; her 9 grandchildren, Theresa, Nicole, Allison, Elizabeth, Matthew, Sandy, James “JJ“, Ryan, and Scott, many great-grandchildren; and adopted granddaughter Stephanie.
Judy was pre-deceased her husband Richard J Lanza in December, 2003; and daughter, Julia Grace Lanza in July 2014. She also leaves her brothers in-law and sisters in laws and many nieces and nephews.
Judy graduated from Leominster High School in 1956 and Fitchburg Teachers College (now Fitchburg State University) in 1959. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard in Sept, 1960. She was employed as a Teacher initially in the Amherst area, then eventually moved to the Leominster School System (Title 1) and finally St. Anna School. She taught various grades from Pre-Kindergarten through Second grade, but she was most fond of Kindergarten. Throughout her 40 year career in teaching, she taught over 1000 students, often teaching generations of families. She thoroughly enjoyed molding young lives and minds and often thought of these students as her temporary children. After retirement in 2003, she went on to volunteer as a Librarian at St. Anna School and a substitute teacher for several more years.
Judy was a member of St. Anna Church in Leominster, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD classes, sang in the choir, and volunteered for many activities at the school and church. Judy was also a member of St. Anna’s Society where she volunteered at fish suppers. Her strong faith in the catholic community was undeniable.
Judy had a strong love and devotion to her family. She spent many years vacationing & camping with her children and grandchildren, including her cabin in The Forks Maine. Her most memorable camping trip as a six-week cross-country tour with her husband and children, making memories that will last for years to come. Later in life, Judy would camp in Maine and NH and other destinations. In recent years, Judy vacationed at Lake Winnipesauke with her late daughter Julia and often would bring along her grandchildren. The lake held a special place in her heart as it was her honeymoon destination after her marriage to Richard. Judy loved her family and was known for big family dinners at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Judith’s funeral will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 from the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster, with an 11:00 am funeral mass in St. Anna Church, 194 Lancaster Street, Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo’s Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Sunday, June 18, 2017 from 3 pm - 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Anna School, 213 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA 01453.
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