Judy Feldman Komaiko

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Judy Feldman Komaiko was the epitome of brains and beauty. We miss her so much already.

Judy grew up on the south side of Chicago with her three brothers Bernard, Jack, and Eddie Feldman. It was here that the then high school cheerleader and national honors society member met the love of her life, Mitchell Steven Komaiko. Though the two went their separate ways for college, with Judy heading to the University of Illinois to study education and Mitch enrolling at Brandeis for pre-med, the pull was too strong. The two married August 21, 1965. This year would have marked Judy and Mitch’s 60th wedding anniversary.

Judy taught elementary school in Illinois to help put Mitch through medical school. In 1968, the couple moved from the Midwest to Southern California, lured by the sunshine and Mitch’s internship at UCLA. The following year, they had their first child, Leslee Komaiko. Two years later, they welcomed their second child, Matthew Komaiko. Judy loved being a mom and did it with aplomb. She also applied and was accepted to law school. But ultimately she decided to pursue more creative endeavors and entered a rigorous design certificate program at UCLA. She went on to have a robust 30 year career as an interior designer in Los Angeles. She also devoted countless hours to her volunteer work at Cedars-Sinai, initially with Mitch on behalf of the Diabetes Foundation, and then on her own, serving on the Board of Governors and as chairperson for The Associates, helping to raise millions of dollars for the medical center.

Judy also knew how to have fun and always looked great doing it. She and Mitch had a full social calendar of dinners out and concerts. They liked to entertain, first in their Westwood home and then in the Beverly Hills residence they shared for 40 years. Judy was the consummate hostess. She also loved reading, crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, Scrabble games with girlfriends, and book club.

Nearly every year, Judy and Mitch took an extended trip. Together they traveled the globe. But one of their favorite destinations was closer to home: Rancho la Puerta in Mexico. Though Judy’s Parkinson’s disease and hip fracture prevented the couple from traveling in recent years, they shared beautiful memories, many of which are captured in photo albums Judy meticulously put together.

One of the greatest joys in Judy’s life was her four grandchildren: Nathaniel Berg, Eli Komaiko, Clara Berg and Jamison Komaiko. She loved spending time with them, whether playing card games, celebrating the Fourth of July together at Hillcrest Country Club, or going on a hay ride at Alisal Ranch. She thrilled in their every success big or small. We are confident Judy is still cheering them on from wherever she may be, and watching over us all, hopefully with a slice of tarte tatin and a cup (not a mug) of decaf coffee.

Judy’s family extends deep gratitude to the friends, loved ones, physicians and caretakers who showed her love and tenderness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Judy’s name to a favorite charity. A service for Judy will be held Sunday, August 17 at 10 am at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City.