AUBURN – Judith “Judy” A. D’Amour, 71, of Minot, died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, at the Hospice House in Auburn.

She was born Sept. 6, 1950 to parents Aldina “Dina” Ausakitis and Ernest Frazee of Elm Street in Mechanic Falls. She spent her childhood at local schools, graduating from Mechanic Falls High School in 1968.

While working at a local hospital, she was told by an elderly man there that she would make a great teacher. Taking this to heart, she attended Bliss College in Lewiston, and then the University of Maine at Farmington where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in English in 1972.

While attending UMF, Judy sustained injuries from a serious car accident that would affect her for the rest of her life. She still managed to lead a full and impactful life despite health challenges. Judy taught English at Lewiston High School for several years and married John “Rusty” D’Amour in 1974, a blessed union of 48 years. They moved to Minot on a part time farm passed down from Rusty’s parents and had two children. Judy and Rusty loved to garden and raise animals, including chickens, ducks, cows, and at one time, pigs and goats.

After having her own two children, Judy discovered her love for young children. She opened and operated the Cat and Fiddle Nursery School out of her home for over two decades. She volunteered at local schools and the Auburn Public Library for three decades, sharing her love of stories and folk tales. Her greatest joy came in having kids “act out” stories, bringing in costumes and props and giving kids character dialogs. She leaves a legacy of imagination, caring and enthusiasm which touched the lives of the many students and teachers she encountered.

Judy had an intense love of animals and nature, constantly feeding the birds, squirrels and “chipies”. She loved her beagles and was seen walking them on the Millett Road every day even in inclement weather.

Judy was always thinking of others and made many delicious yeast breads and treats that she shared with family, neighbors and many members of the community. Her strong faith was a blessing, especially these last few months. She was a member of Our Lady of Ransom Church in Mechanic Falls. During COVID, she missed giving and getting hugs, and would do “air hugs” for anyone willing. Her generosity and caring will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her parents Dina and Ernest Frazee of Mechanic Falls; and her beloved sister, Joan.

Judy is survived by her husband, Rusty, in Minot; her son, Seth of Mechanic Falls, and her daughter, Leah and son-in-law, Shane of North Berwick.

There will be a celebration of life gathering at the farm, 198 Millett Rd., Minot on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. Friends and family are invited. Memories may be shared at http://www.albert-burpee.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the

Androscoggin Humane Society,

55 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240 or the

Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice,

15 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240