Obituary of Judy Diane Blake

Judy Diane Blake, 77, of Reston, VA, passed away peacefully on December 6 at her residence. Judy is preceded in death by her parents, William and Eva Blake. She is survived by her son Jamie MacDonald (Ellen), brother Bill Blake (Maryanne), grandchildren Lauren and Aaron MacDonald, nephew Christopher Blake (Traci), niece Jessica Bradley, and many loving relatives and friends.

Judy was born in Queens, NY, and attended Bayside High where she met her first husband, James MacDonald. An exceptional student, Judy skipped seventh grade and graduated high school in 1962. Judy attended Centenary College in Hacketstown,NJ, and after graduating in 1964 worked as an assistant editor for This Week Magazine. Judy and Jim married in 1964 and had Jamie before moving to Reston in 1970. After divorcing in 1971, Judy worked for Systems Technology Associates, eventually serving as Director of Personnel before leaving to work at Inco, Inc., then Comsat Corporation where she served as Director of Marketing Communications. Judy then worked as Director of Marketing and Communications for Hughes Network Systems for twenty-eight years before retiring in 2017. In addition to her successful career, Judy had a great many outside interests. She enjoyed exploring museums, art, architecture, fashion, interior design, music, history, and politics. She also loved to travel, and through her work was able to see much of the world including Switzerland, Singapore, and the Soviet Union. She was an inveterate reader and learner, and loved participating in small group study at her church, where she also volunteered regularly. Judy’s greatest passion, however, was her family and friends. From the care she took of her aging parents, the regular family reunions she planned with her brother Bill, the vacations and events with her closest friends, and most especially her absolute dedication to her grandchildren, Judy’s commitment to the people she loved was unparalleled.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, December 13 at 11:00 AM, at Adams-Green Funeral Home (721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170). Burial to follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Herndon.

Donations in Judy’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, or to the charity of your choice.