Judith Ann Blankinship

Judith Ann Blankinship, age 75, of Clinton, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Pendleton, Oregon, Judy was the beloved daughter of Leslie and Harry Joslin. She spent her formative years in Oregon, Montana, and Washington, carrying with her a joyful spirit and a warm heart that touched everyone she met.

A proud graduate of Queen Anne High School in 1967, Judy went on to study interior design and art, ultimately graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Washington. In 1969 she met the future father of her children the same day the first American set foot on the moon. In 1971, she and Darrel Wayne Blankinship married. Together they raised three cherished children: Matthew, Heather, and Rebecca. Judy’s kindness, strength, and unwavering support defined all of her roles in life, including mother and friend. 

Judy dedicated many years to working in special education while nurturing her family and returned to school at 50 to update her social work degree. She enjoyed a fulfilling decade-long career in social work before transitioning back to an education-related field after moving to Whidbey Island.

A woman of deep passions, Judy loved connecting with people and embraced the beauty of culture, diversity, and world cuisines. For over nine years, she opened her home to exchange students, offering unwavering support and encouragement while delighting them with her culinary creations. Her cooking was a labor of love, and many students fondly recalled how much they would miss her meals. 

In 2011, Judy became a Grandmother, a role that she cherished. Judy was an integral part in her granddaughter’s life and was so proud of her kind heart, creativity, courage, and resilience. 

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Harry; and her late husband, Wayne. She is survived by her sister, Gloria; her children, Matthew, Heather, and Rebecca; and her granddaughter, Nunu. Her vibrant spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Judy's illness deepened her understanding of the importance of nurturing good health and the preciousness of life. She became passionate about reminding others that our bodies are temples and we need to be mindful about what we eat and drink. She wanted to remind everyone to cherish the time we have with those we love by being present. She believed that holding onto stress and worry harms us, and that learning to let go of what we cannot control is essential for our well-being. Right up until her final days, Judy shared this wisdom with a smile and her trademark sense of humor, always striving to uplift those around her.

A private celebration of Judy’s life will be held on November 24, 2024, at Clinton Community Hall. If you would like to send flowers, please contact a family member to arrange it. For donations in Judy’s honor, please consider Readiness to Learn.

Rest in peace, Judy. Your light will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those you touched.