It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of longtime branch member and our dear friend Judy Kinker on June 12, 2022. She was 84 years old. Judy served the branch in many capacities but is especially remembered as Bylaws chair, a position she held for 17 years. Condolences for the family may be sent to Robin Rall, 3396 Ramona Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422.

Judy’s family has requested that donations in her memory go toward the Judith Kinker Memorial Scholarship for a woman preparing for a career in Education. (See donation details following at the end of this article.)

Judy joined AAUW Morgan Hill in 2000 after she retired from her career as a special education teacher.

She quickly became involved with branch responsibilities, first as Interest Group chair and then as Educational Foundation chair (now AAUW Fund). She was also co-president 2006-2007. In 2002 she took on the job as chair of the newly formed Bylaws committee and served in that position for an amazing 17 years. Judy was very detail oriented, and the rest of the Bylaws Buddies/Bylaws Beauties depended on her to keep track of what needed to be done. (She came up with many different names for her group, but now they are simply the BBs.) The committee worked diligently under her leadership, but she knew how to make even Bylaws fun. And there was always the reward of wine and popcorn at the end of each meeting, a tradition that has continued in her honor. Judy was truly the heart of the Bylaws committee.

In 2020, Judy was recognized for her dedication and long service as Bylaws chair by being named AAUW Honoree. She was surprised at her home with balloons, flowers and gifts.

Judy was an active participant in the Pilgrims Process meditation group. She was also known for her delicious Chinese chicken salad that she made each year for the post-Wildflower Run volunteer picnic.

After Judy’s husband Karl died in 2020, her health began to deteriorate more rapidly. Last year, when she was no longer able to continue to stay in her Jackson Oaks home (where she and Karl had lived since 1980), her family moved her to a small group home in San Jose. She spent her last months there enjoying the company of the other residents and the staff.

Friends remember Judy for her radiant smile, friendliness, big hugs, commitment to AAUW, and devotion to her family.

Judy is survived by her daughters Robin, Nancy and Laura, stepdaughter Karla, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. No service is planned.

Donations to the Judith Kinker Memorial Scholarship may be made by check payable to ISPF AAUW with Kinker Memorial in the memo line and mailed to AAUW MH, PO Box 1528, Morgan Hill, CA 95038, or online with credit card at www.aauwmh.org . Scroll down and click on the Donate button. In the Instructions section of PayPal, add Kinker Memorial. (Contact Carol O’Hare, donations@aauwmh.org, with questions.)

Valentine’s Day 2022