Judith Ann Oja passed away peacefully, beautifully and on her terms on Sept. 26, 2024, after a short battle with brain cancer. She was born to Ed and Venita (Mitchell) Neely in Portland, Oregon. Judy grew up in Tigard and, after graduating Tigard High School in 1963, entered nursing school at Good Samaritan Hospital. After graduation, she started work at Physicians & Surgeons hospital, where she worked the graveyard shift and met her future husband, Jim, who was working as an engineer there.
After getting married they settled in Hockinson, Washington, and had two daughters, Kris and Michelle. Judy gave them a wonderful childhood as a single mom surrounded by family and tradition. After a full career in nursing that included family practice, management, pediatrics, and OB/GYN, Judy retired as a nurse in 2010 and enjoyed life as a very active and involved Gramma. Her greatest joy was celebrating holidays, sporting events and special days with her three grandkids and lunching with her friends. In the last year of her life, she found much joy and companionship with her new friends at the Van Mall Retirement Community. She found a circle of friends there that became family to her and her girls.
Judy is survived by her two daughters, Kris and Michelle; sons-in-law, Joe and Gary; grandkids Kylie, Adam and Drew; sister Linda; and great-grandson, Emmett, along with many extended family and loyal friends who loved being a part of Judy’s life.
Her family is very grateful for every word of love and encouragement they’ve received during this time about their Judy and would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Home Instead, who walked Judy through her final hours with great love, respect and care. Thanks to everyone who loved our mom like she was your own.
Judy was so admired, so loved and so missed. Her enthusiastic spirit changed every room she entered. A memorial service will be held at Van Mall Retirement Community on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. In honor of Judy’s love of life and shared memories with her family, we are encouraging people to wear Seaside clothing to the memorial, as this will be her final resting place. Judy loved carnations, but in lieu of flowers, you can also give to the Van Mall Activity Fund, where Judy served on this committee to bring joy and a welcoming spirit to as many people as she could.
