Judith Dragon Obituary

In Loving Memory ~

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and educator, Judith "Judy" peacefully entered eternal rest having faced declining health with bravery, optimism, determination, and grace.

The second of five Richards sisters, Judy was born to Lisle and Mary (née Ross) Richards in Pasadena, CA before moving to Santa Clara in 1940. The family later settled in Saratoga, CA, but not before a young teenage Judy made a lasting mark in her community. Judy and her good friend, also named Judy, enjoyed swimming at the local aquatic club and wanted to join the swim team there, despite it being strictly "boys only." Undeterred, the two Judys approached the coach, asked to participate, and were bluntly told they could not. The girls, however, continued to plead their case. Finally, the coach – thinking he could discourage further discussion of the matter – told them if they were able to complete an outlandish number of pushups and sit-ups they could join.

The determined Judys immediately went to work and a few weeks later returned to the pool and performed all the required exercises for one very surprised coach. He relented and allowed them to become the first female athletes to train with the renowned Santa Clara Swim Club, opening the door for generations of young female swimmers. The coach? None other than the legendary George Haines who coached many swimmers (ironically, many of them females, partially thanks to the Judys) to numerous National, World, and Olympic titles.

Judy was a talented musician who at an early age dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. She mastered arrangements by Debussy, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff's notoriously difficult Prelude in C# Minor, as well as many other classical and contemporary pieces. She was a ballet dancer; she loved music, literature, theater, art, cooking, and travel. She was an accomplished seamstress and knitter, especially enjoying handcrafting beautiful outfits for her granddaughter's dolls. Known as Nana to her grandchildren, she adored them as they did her.

Judy was a 1957 graduate of Los Gatos High School. An extremely popular Wildcat, Judy was vivacious, kind, and active in many school extracurriculars, both academic and social. An outstanding student, she was a member of the National Honors Society, the California Scholarship Federation, Student Council, the Art, Debate and Pep Clubs and the Rally Committee. Judy was a cheerleader, was cast in the Senior Play "Ten Little Indians" and was named one of five "Seniors to be Proud Of" by her classmates.

Judy then attended the University of Oregon, invited as part of a select group of incoming students to found the university's highly esteemed Clark Honors College. She was a proud Alpha Omicron Pi sorority sister and was selected for membership in KWAMA and Phi Theta Upsilon, the sophomore and junior service honorary societies. Judy was a member of the Student Union Board and an editor of Oregana, the university's yearbook. Judy met her first husband at the U of O, and the couple moved to San Jose to start a family, welcoming daughters Mary Leslie and Ashley.

Judy ultimately earned her bachelor's degree in U.S. History from San Jose State University. She embarked on a 34-year career as a highly respected Master-level English teacher and reading specialist, first at Lynbrook High School, then at Oroville High School. She also served as the cheerleading advisor at both schools. Judy received numerous accolades for her compassionate and innovative teaching style, her advocacy and deep affection for her students, and her collaborative work with parents and staff. Loved by students and colleagues, she was the District Teacher of the Year at both schools and served as the English Department Chair at Oroville High.

A natural educator, Judy's love of learning and teaching was lifelong. As a child, she set up a classroom at home and taught various subjects to her three younger sisters. In adulthood, Judy took advanced graduate History and English coursework at Oxford University in the United Kingdom and at San Jose State University. She especially enjoyed Medieval history and relished assisting her children and grandchildren with grammar and composition in their college entry essays and classwork.

In 1969, Judy married the love of her life, Lanny Dragon, and in 1971 welcomed their son, Andre. Judy and Lanny spent nearly 56 years together, exploring the United States from coast-to-coast and visiting countries including Canada, England, Scotland, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, Germany, Egypt, Russia, China, and France. Judy and Lanny's special place was Paris. There, they made lasting memories sharing good food, wine, culture, and each other's company in the place they loved most.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Christina Wallace and Sara Hart, and brothers-in-law William Byrd and Charles Hart. She is survived by her devoted husband Lanny, sisters Laurie Byrd and Kathryn Gallant, brother-in-law Ronald Wallace, daughters Mary Leslie (David) Woo, Ashley (Andrew) Boydstun, son Andre (Jamie) Dragon, and grandchildren Katie, Jerrod, Olivia, Sophia, Tamara, Liz, and Vi, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Judy's life was a blessing to those who knew her, and her memory will forever be a comfort and inspiration to those who loved her. A celebration of her vibrant life will be held on a future date. Donations in tribute can be made to the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma at: http://www.okfoodbank.org.