Obituaries

On November 24 2022 the world lost a force of nature. Judy was the bravest, most generous, giving, kind, selfless, and quietly-fierce woman. She was pure goodness to her family and to anyone who was blessed enough to know her. She was brilliant, trailblazing, and courageous, yet completely modest, non-assuming, and sweet. Her beauty was radiant, inside and out. She was a true fighter, battling Parkinson’s disease for the last 11 years with unmatched strength and grace. She wrapped her family and friends with love and did it all with the sweetest, most infectious smile.

Judy was born in Chicago and migrated to L.A. where she met Stuart. Together they set the marriage bar high with an amazing example of partnership for the last 53 years. She, alongside Stuart, gave her three children- Michael, Debi, and Rebecca the most perfect childhood. Judy was lucky and blessed to have seven wonderful and talented grandchildren. Judy’s life largely centered around her family. She totally enjoyed being around both her immediate and extended family members and friends; their well being always on her mind. She was the epitome of what being a parent, Bubbie, life partner, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, and friend is all about.

Judy was an active member of her Synagogue and served on the sisterhood and synagogue boards for many years. She loved to be with people, and participated with her Havarah of over 40 years in all kinds of outings, game playing, and just plain getting together to laugh.

Professionally, Judy was a gifted speech pathologist practicing for over 40 years. She was a pioneer in the field of dysphagia (swallowing disorders,) and was a middle level manager supervising speech, physical and occupational therapists in a very large geographic area of Southern California.

She passed away from complications of her Parkinson’s disease on Thanksgiving morning, peacefully, at home, with her husband and three children holding her, smiling, laughing, crying, and telling her how thankful they all are for her and all that she gave to them and everyone her life touched. She is survived by her husband Stuart Waterstone; son Michael Waterstone and his wife Julie, and their children Ava, Jack, and Sam; her daughter Debi McGregor and her husband Tim and their children Spencer and Isaac; and her daughter Rebecca Halperin and her husband Arie and their children Zoe and Ella. May her memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Judy’s family is requesting any donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation on Judy’s tribute page.

Funeral services are Monday, November 28 at 12pm at Hillside Memorial Park with guests welcome to join her family afterward at the Kligman home in Northridge. Shiva will be held as follows: Monday evening at the Kligman home in Northridge, Tuesday evening at the Waterstone home in Northridge, Wednesday evening in Santa Monica, and Thursday evening in Redondo or Manhattan Beach, and Sunday evening in Chicago at the Halperin home with a zoom option.