AUBURN – Judy (Spofford) Sargent, 83, of Auburn died unexpectedly on April 2, 2024, at her home. She was born in Lewiston, on June 1, 1940, the daughter of Cleba and Eloise (Gammon) Spofford. Educated in Auburn, Judy graduated from Edward Little High School in 1958. She was ever after, a proud and active member of that class.

Judy was a vibrant and loving individual, known for her spunk, kindness, and warm personality. Most importantly, Judy had a love for her Lord and Savior, and a dedication to hearth and home. She was a proud mother and grandmother; and known by her grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Mimi”.

Judy and Dave were married for almost 63 years. Dave adored Judy and was a devoted husband to her. They recently came full circle and moved back to the family homestead where they started their journey together.

Judy had a love for gardening. Not only did she tend the large, mostly perennial one, but she filled every nook and cranny on the property. She was ever-expanding color, texture and variety to the plots. She was also a crafter extraordinaire; and had an interest in family genealogy. She was an avid reader who could read several books at a time and complete them in less than a week. Judy also enjoyed pressing flowers which she displayed in bookmarks and designs under glass.

Judy had her first job as an errand girl at 10-years old; from 12 to 14-years old she had a paper route that took her up parts of Goff Hill. Throughout high school she worked at the former Seavey’s Ice Cream Shop on Minot Avenue; and then went on to work at New England Telephone as a Switchboard Operator.

Judy married David Sargent in 1961 and together they raised their daughters, Laurie and Susan, first in Auburn, then in Portland and Raymond. They spent summers at the Hemlock’s Camping Area in W. Poland for over three decades.

In her early married years, she was a stay-at-home mom. Later, Judy embarked on a career that spanned nearly three decades with the Portland YWCA as Front Desk Director. She was the face of the “Y” and she took it to heart. She had a remarkable ability to remember names and faces; and a knack for making everyone feel welcome and valued. There, too, she was a mentor to many of the women over the years.

Judy never retired. Her most recent job was writing the daily Looking Back Column for the Lewiston Sun Journal, for which she was very proud.

When Judy and Dave moved back to Auburn in the early 90’s they began to regularly attend the United Methodist Church on Park Avenue. Judy immersed herself in the life of the church where she immediately joined the choir. Thereafter she joined two women’s groups, Faith Journey and Naomi Circle and often held offices within those organizations. For many years, she was also an active member of the church Board of Trustees. She volunteered for many church events and was a Greeter, as well.

Judy had a special heart for people who were down on their luck and for people with disabilities. Children were always drawn to her warmth and undivided attention. Judy was also community – minded. She was a Girl Scout Leader, volunteered for the Public Theater, and gave to many causes.

Judy is survived by: husband, David Sargent; daughters, Laurie Guay and husband, Ron Guay, and Susan Robichaud and husband Rick Robichaud. Six grandchildren: Jen Blakey and husband Joe Blakey, Mike Caron and wife, Kristin Caron, Heather Fellman and husband Lee Fellman, Joshua Robichaud, Taylor Guay, and Acadia Guay. Seven great – grandchildren, Noah Blakey, Windsor Robichaud, Anna Fellman, Ezra Blakey, Asher Fellman, Aubrey Caron and Lyla Caron. She is also survived by her brother, Ron Spofford, and sister, Kate Spofford Caron and husband, Ray Caron. Step mother-in-law, Pauline Spofford Morris, and sister-in-law, Beverly Spofford; and many nieces and nephews.

Judy is predeceased by: Her parents, Cleba Spofford and Eloise (Gammon) Spofford, and brothers: Paul Spofford, Michael Spofford and Dennis Spofford; and a brother-in-law: Jim Sargent.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 13, at 11 a.m., at the United Methodist Church on 439 Park Avenue in Auburn. Following the service there will be food and fellowship in the vestry. All are welcome.

Judy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Arrangements by The Fortin Group Funeral Home 217 Turner St. in Auburn, Maine 783-8545. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Auburn. Please designate that the donation be used to fund womens’ retreats through the United Methodist Women in Faith.



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