Judy Ann Stillson

Under the light of the full moon Jan 31, our amazing mom, Judy Stillson, flew on Eagle’s wings onto her next big adventure. My dad’s been waiting for her with a fabulous heavenly sailboat for over a decade now.

My mom was the kind of person who could light up a room the moment she walked into it. She had an unmatched sense of humor, a quick wit, and a lifelong talent for wordplay that made everyone around her laugh, often when they needed it most. She believed the only day wasted was one without laughter, and she shared that laughter and comfort freely with everyone - especially those who sat with her on her back porch.

For over 35 years, Judy worked as a speech and hearing pathologist in the Collier County Public School system, mostly in the Elementary schools where she changed the lives of every child who entered her classroom. She had a rare gift: she could turn hard work into fun! Speech therapy with Judy never felt like therapy, instead she made it into a game, a moment of connection, a place where children felt safe, seen, heard, and capable.

So often, many of her former students - as teenagers, college students, or adults - recognized her in Publix or a restaurant, rushing over to her with shining eyes and wrapped her in a hug, smiling and thanking her for everything she’d given to them. To my mom, teaching wasn’t confined to the classroom. She brought that same playfulness and patience home. She played games with us and our friends, and later her grandchildren and their friends; proof that her legacy lives on in the voices of many. I learned so very much from my mom, I am truly grateful for her every day. She was a beloved member of the community for over 50 years. After retiring, she continued to give her time and heart by volunteering with children at the Grace Place.

My mom and dad, Dick Stillson, were married for 50 years. They were the love of each other’s lives. Sharing a genuine friendship built at Kent State University where they first met in 1960. Their communication skills and the way they supported each other’s personal growth and autonomy within their relationship literally kept them best friends until the end. She has missed him deeply. Their partnership was built on devotion, laughter, and shared values. Out of college dad was drafted and was stationed in Germany. They remained in Germany as civilians for the next 7 years, adventuring all over Europe, and having a couple kids. When they returned to the states and settled in Naples. They continued sharing a lifelong excitement for travel adventures and life experiences! 

Born Judy Anne Goodman on Nov 23, 1942 in Palmyra, NY, growing up in Newark, NY to parents Robert Goodman & Phyllis Kolb Goodman. She had one older brother Robert Goodman Jr, and three older sisters, Phyllis, Beverly and Vivian Goodman.

Judy is survived by her daughter Richawn Andrea Stillson Cranor, her son Rhett Charles & wife Tina Weisman, and her grandchildren Kya Aliana & husband Max Ransom, Alexiana S. Cranor & partner Nichole E Vasquez, and Kinden Sage Arthur Strong Bear Cranor, great grandchildren Renwick Ransom, Jane E Vasquez, Delilah Jade Cranor, & Christopher Aaron Little Bear Cranor, as well as step-grandchildren Greer, Braeden, and Connor, all of whom she loved deeply. To them, she was not just Mimi, she was laughter, patience, fun, warmth, and unconditional love. She is also survived by one of her sisters, Vivian DenDecker, and many nieces and nephews.

Judy Stillson will be remembered for the impact she had on so many childrens’ lives, and how she made people feel joyful, capable, cared for, and significant. Her laughter echoes on, in classrooms, in family stories, and in every life she helped shape. She and my dad are dancing in heaven tonight. As she said so often “enjoy yourself now, we don’t get out alive.”

In honor of my mom's belief that enjoyable experiences are the reason for this human life - and both my parents love of sailing, in lieu of sending flowers please consider donating to the incredible FreedomWatersFoundation.org in their name. This is a highly reputable foundation in Naples that provides no cost sailing & boat outing experiences. Their mission is to enhance the well-being of children and adults with disabilities and veterans through therapeutic boating experiences. Experiences filled with healing, joy, happiness, and emotional comfort to their participants. This aligns so beautifully with my mom's generous heart & Special-Ed background, as well as my dad's huge heart & love of sailing - having owned Stillson's Sail Away for over a decade in Naples.