Southbury-

Judith "Judy" Ann (Kulhavik) Sanford, 76, of Southbury, passed away January 7, 2024. She was born January 14, 1947, in Waterbury, CT to Julius and Rosemary (Herrmann) Kulhavik. Judy was a graduate of Waterbury Catholic High School, and Post College (now Post University). She grew up on Bank Street in Waterbury and spent childhood summers in Cedarland Park in Southbury where she created great memories and cherished friendships. Judy was a brave and independent woman. In 1968, she flew to Hawaii to elope with Robert, who was on leave while being stationed overseas with the Marine Corps during Vietnam. They were married for over 30 years and had three beautiful children together.

It was important for Judy to stay home to raise her children until they were in school. She then became head secretary at Pomperaug Elementary School and worked for several years at The Charcoal Chef in Woodbury. Even after she left, her "Chef" family held a special place in her heart.

Summers found her with her three kids, often by herself, boating, fishing, water skiing, and camping out at Candlewood Lake. The quintessential host, Judy loved throwing parties and festive holiday dinners where all were welcome – "the more the merrier" was her motto. She loved serving the community and was a treasured neighbor. After the Pomperaug River flooded in 2011, she cooked for and fed dozens of displaced neighbors for weeks on the lawn outside her home. She was honored by the Red Cross with their Community Impact Award for her humanitarianism. Judy's volunteer work included service to the Waterbury Civitan Group, the Special Olympics, teaching cooking classes to clients with special needs, and annual holiday parties at Terrace Hall Group home in Naugatuck.

Judy retired from the State of CT Department of Developmental Services. She spent her retired years living with her beloved sister, Mary Ann, and renovating the family house in Southbury. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. Judy enjoyed time playing games and baking with her grandchildren, traveling when she could to visit them on Martha's Vineyard and in Maine. Whether painting with watercolors, accessorizing, or utilizing her skills as a talented seamstress, she was beautifully creative.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Sanford (Michael Magaraci) of Edgartown, MA, Sandra Sanford (Jennifer Wardwell) of Yarmouth, ME, son, Robert Sanford, Jr. of Wolcott, grandchildren Michael and Sania Magaraci, and Tessie and Ishaya Sanford-Wardwell. She also leaves behind a beloved cousin, Susan Armbruster, several nieces and nephews, and dear friends. She is predeceased by a brother, Francis Kulhavik (Nancy), sister, Mary Ann Kulhavik, cherished sister-in-law Joan (Sanford) Latina (Frank), and former spouse, and father to their three children, Robert Sanford, Sr.

Visitation will be from held from 5-7:00pm, Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street N, Southbury, CT. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Friday, January 19, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 910 Main Street S. Southbury, CT. Burial immediately following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 669 Platt Rd. Watertown, CT.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com