BERLIN

In the early hours of Friday, April 14, 2023, Judith Ann Christensen, affectionately known to all as Judy, passed away in her beloved Pleasant Street family home. Judy had celebrated her 79th birthday on April 13th. Born in Fort Riley, Kansas, Judy relocated to Berlin at the age of two, after the death of her father, Edward L. Ross. She graduated from Hudson High School and earned her Associate Degree in Administrative Assistance and Secretarial Science at Becker Junior College. Judy was proud of her proven skill of shorthand and to her children's dismay enacted its usage, while creating Christmas and birthday gift lists her children couldn't read. On special occasions she enjoyed creating personalized poems for family and friends. She often would bring cherry squares, made from her mothers recipe, brownies or chocolate chip cookies to them as well. For over twenty-five years Judy was employed at Digital Corporation. After leaving Digital, Judy's laughter and smile could be found behind the deli counter of the Berlin General Store for over twenty years. Every sandwich she made came with her smiley face signature.

Judy had a heart of gold and the happiness of sunshine itself. Her non-judgmental way of loving each and every person was a unique gift; and many called her Mom.

With an open heart and door she welcomed anyone in need to the Hotel Christensen. In her early years growing up on the farm she nurtured her love for animals, enjoyed horseback riding, and haying the fields. She never lost her love for all animals and looked forward to helping friends and neighbors take care of theirs. She enjoyed motorcycles and pickup trucks and fondly looked back on the many adventures while riding her own custom Triumph, shortened for her height. She could also be found delivering papers in the quiet early mornings with glass-packed mufflers on her truck, a mother's day gift from her son. With a signature construction hat on the dash and a toy cow tied to the grill, you knew Judy was coming and you moooooved over!

With the exception of her earliest years, Judy resided in Berlin. She was more than willing to share a Berlin-based story or her small-town heritage. One story she was especially proud of was when the annual fishing derby was named after her grandfather, Lester Ross, which always fell around the weekend between her and her brother David's birthdays. She loved her town and those who called Berlin home. They in turn truly loved her back. Judy was dedicated to the Berlin community, showing her patriotic pride each year Judy, with the help of her daughters, would plant the geraniums at the Berlin Cemeteries, she would also make many types of fudge for the Friendship Village Fair. Judy was always available to help any friends and neighbors needing assistance in Berlin and surrounding towns.

Among those who will miss her most, are her family members. Surviving Judy are her three children, Christopher Christensen and his wife Beth, Jill Christensen and Kelly Czepiel, all whom reside in Berlin seven grandchildren Courtney, Chris Jr., Andrew, Robert, Thomas Christensen and Matthew Czepiel, Jamie Dubois and a new great-granddaughter Evelyn Aurora Dubois and a brother, David Ross of Lancaster and former husband Richard Christensen Waltham in addition to her father, Judy was preceded in death by her mother Florence A. (Wheeler) Martin, her step-father Harold Martin, and two brothers Donald and Everett Martin.

A memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, April 29, in First Parish Church of Berlin, 24 Central Street, Berlin. There are no public calling hours scheduled. Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough is honored to assist the Christensen family with services.

In an effort to assist the family, please consider contributing to the Christensen family through https://www.gofundme.com/f/judy-and-jill-christensen/donate or via gift certificates, monetary gifts or other means.