Judith Ann (Camper) Ward

Judith A. Ward, 79, of Wolcott joined her beloved husband, Bruce in Heaven on November 4, 2025. Judy passed away peacefully at her home with her loving daughter and son by her side.

Judy was born in Burlington, VT on November 12, 1945 to Doris LaBelle and George Camper. She attended South Burlington High School where she excelled in athletics and graduated in 1964. Her favorite memories of her youth always included her lifelong best friend, cohort, and confidant Melanie Hook.

On December 4, 1965 Judy married her soulmate, Bruce Ward. Together they moved to Wolcott and started to grow roots. They purchased and operated the Wolcott Store and Garage.  In their early years together, they enjoyed snowmobiling, riding “dune buggies” that Bruce built at Eagles Ledge, playing softball, and volunteering their time within the community. Over the years they were very active and proud, prominent members of the Wolcott community. Judy was a member of the Wolcott Athletic Association, Women’s Auxiliary Association, and many other groups to help the growing town. 

After selling the store, Judy started working at the Wolcott School. Always working from dawn to dusk, Judy spent many years at the school. First as a janitor, and later retiring as the school cook. Generations of Wolcott citizens still fondly recognize her as the “sweet lunch lady”. It is noted that her strong ties to the school made it difficult for her children to get away with any shenanigans. From her time at the school, she met many wonderful folks that she grew to care for deeply. After her retirement from the school, Judy started to volunteer at Second Chance in Morrisville where she was so happy and appreciative to work at, until her passing. It is no secret how much she treasured her time with Robin and the entire staff she worked with. 

Everyone that knew Judy loved her. She was the most caring, kind, and positive woman. Quick to offer a compliment and you always felt better after talking to her. She never rested until she made sure everyone else was comfortable and happy. Despite her poor driving skills, she loved to always be, “on the go”. She never shied away from a good conversation and simply loved to talk. She thrived in the social world, making sure to go out of her way to say hello, offer a kind word, or share an update on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was so proud of her family and all the children that called her Nana or Grandma. She and Bruce would travel all over New England to enjoy a good yard sale, listen to music, or watch a ballgame. The ballfields of Vermont will never be the same without Bruce on his stool nibbling snacks and Judy wandering the sidelines making conversations and friends.

When the love of her life passed away in 2018, Judy deeply cherished and relied on her close friends, Mary, Toots, and Ethel and many others to help her though some very difficult times. Her family is thankful for the care and support offered over the years. As a long time member of the Wolcott Methodist Church, Judy looked forward to every Sunday morning to see Pastor Pat and the rest of the congregation. These sermons and supporting friends were instrumental in helping her grieve and prepare her for own end of life.  

Judy was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Despite the sadness of losing such a special woman, we are relieved to know that she is finally back in the arms of her caring husband that she missed so much. Her smile, and love and genuine nature will be sorely missed, but the happy memories of her will forever live on. 

Judy is survived by her children: Deb Haslam (son in law, Kenneth), Dale Ward (daughter in law, Kathy) Doug Edwards, step daughters: Wanda Brown (son in law, Harley), Donna Boiney (son in law, Peter). Grandchildren: Megan (Matt), Haillie (Adekunle), Shayde (Kristen), Kristin (Dylan), Harley, Glenn, Jonathan, Isaac, Eric, Sam, Atalie. Many great grandchildren that she thought of often. Her sister, Marilyn Blow.  

Judy was predeceased by her parents, husband Bruce, brothers Wallace and Wayne Camper, sister Marlene Beaudoin, and step daughter Sandy Ward.

The family would like to express deep gratitude for the relentless flow of support from the home hospice team of nurses, volunteers, Hardwick Area Health Center, Dr. Leclerc, Shari Douglas and many others for the meals, condolences, crying shoulders and support. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wolcott Town Hall on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 5:00-7:00PM.

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