Judith A. Woods

Southbury- Judith A. Woods, 84, of Southbury, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 9, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Rose Theresa (Tarantino) Finn and Michael Augustus Finn.

Judy was the devoted wife of the late Edward Lee Woods Sr., with whom she shared 57 years of marriage until his passing in 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and completed graduate work in Counseling at Western Connecticut State University. Throughout her life, Judy embraced many roles, including bookkeeper, secretary, cashier, teacher, group home manager, and photographer. A passionate entrepreneur, she owned and operated two nursery schools and a specialty pet shop, Bird Haven.

Judy’s greatest passion was her love of animals. She volunteered with the Delaware Humane Society and took special joy in raising exotic birds (Caiques & Sun Conures), breeding and showing award-winning guinea pigs, and raising Skye Terriers. Above all, she cherished her family and her animals, both of which brought her immense happiness.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Robyn Hawley and her husband, Bill, of The Villages, Florida; Kathy “Woodsy” Woods of Wolcott, Connecticut; and Edward Woods Jr. and his wife, Betsy, of Bennington, Vermont. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren—Jeff Hawley, Ben Hawley, Rose Bannon-Woods, Lily Donahue, and Abeh Woods—and three great-grandchildren, Gavin, Derek, and Tyler. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main St N., Southbury, CT. A private burial will take place in the spring with family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or to WMNR Radio, P.O. Box 920, Monroe, CT 06468.