Judith Lorch Brooks

February 8, 1919 - December 17, 2019

Judy Brooks died, peacefully at home, on December 17, 2019. She was 100 years old. Judy was the adored and adoring wife of the late Arthur T. Brooks, who died on September 7, 2019. She was the beloved and cherished mother of Lori, Louise, the late Teppy, grandmother of Talia, Aramie and mother-in-law of Bob Salzman. Judith Lorch was born on February 8,1919. She grew up in Manhattan on the Upper West Side with her parents Florence and Adolf, her brothers Arthur and Lee and her sister Regina. In grade school, strong willed, independent Judy once went on a hunger strike when they tried to make her write with her right hand. In September 1945, at the end of WWII, 26-year-old Judy Lorch was a Red Cross worker, helping returning GI’s at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. She worked with Art’s sister Evelyn, who thought Judy would be a good match for her brother Art. She invited Judy over for dinner and the next 73 years of Art and Judy’s wonderful marriage proved Ev right. In 1948, soon after Teppy was born, 29 year-old Judy, and 31 year-old Art, moved to Claverack, NY. Art joined his father-in-law, Adolf, in their Hudson manufacturing business, Textile-By-Products which would later become Lorbrook Corporation. In 1965, the family moved to their new home in Greenport. Judy’s father Adolf, who embodied old-world kindness, intelligence and compassion, was a guiding light throughout her life. Judy took great pride in her Dad’s tireless efforts to sponsor and rescue 125 Jews from Nazi Germany. Her friends and neighbors remember Judy as a warm, caring, witty person with a generous spirit who was always there for them through good times and bad. She was an energetic community volunteer who tirelessly gave of herself, especially for people in need. She was a long time member of Hadassah and at one time president of the Hudson chapter. For many years she volunteered with Meals on Wheels delivering food to the homes of Hudson residents. Judy was a long term board member of The Mental Health Society and volunteered with Catholic Charities. She was a generous supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD). Friends have warm memories of wonderful get togethers at Judy and Art’s - Las Vegas night, scavenger hunts, Halloween and sledding parties and clambakes. She and Art loved to travel. Together they researched and created amazing trips through Europe, Asia and South America. A random connection on a trip to Mexico in 1952 produced a life long friend. Over the years they loved recalling the details and savoring the memories. Judy Brooks was a generous, loving, gracious person and always a fierce advocate for her children. Her extraordinary personal strength bolstered by her boundless love and commitment to, and from Art, Lori and Louise somehow enabled her to resume living life after the loss of Teppy. Even dementia could not dull Judy’s sharp sense of humor. A few months ago, as her dentist was about to turn on his drill he paused to explain, “This is going to make a loud noise”. Without missing a beat Judy came back with, “Not as loud as the noise I’m going to make”. Her family, friends and community now mourn her loss, while honoring and celebrating the 100 years of her rich and meaningful life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mothers against Drunk Driving and Hudson Meals on Wheels.