Obituary of Judy Maye Derbes

Judy Derbes went to heaven on August 15, 2023, to play scrabble with her dear friend, Vee Krohn. Please join her friends and family in thanking Fred Hutchinson Cancer Care Alliance for nearly 9 bonus years with her family since her terminal cancer diagnosis in November of 2015.

Judy was born on November 21, 1939, and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She worked most of her adult life for Boeing, which took her to New Orleans, San Jose, and Federal Way, Washington. Once she retired in 1995, she joined the Bluebills (Boeing’s Retirement Group), where she met her husband, Ted Leyden (who left us in April of this year), and they settled in Tacoma, WA, in a condo overlooking the beautiful Commencement Bay. They would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in September of this year.

They both served for many years volunteering with Bluebills on various charities such as Toys for Tots, Kid’s in Need, and the USO. Judy also belonged to a Red Hat group called the Stewed Tomatoes, with which she had many adventures! She discovered her love for crafting and painting, and enjoyed showcasing her creations with her best friends at summer festivals and Christmas bazaars. She was also featured in a local art gallery in Gig Harbor, WA.

Judy was predeceased by her mother and father, Lucille and Bud Taylor, and her sister, Linda Lindberg. Judy leaves behind her son, Bill Derbes, his wife, Michelle, with their daughters, Kailyn and Kelsie; and her brothers, Bill and Jim Taylor. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Brian Derbes, his wife, Luciana, and their daughter, Gabi; and Sarah and Mike Leyden.

In lieu of flowers, Judy’s family would like you to please contribute to the Fred Hutchinson Seattle Cancer Care Alliance,

https://www.fredhutch.org/en.html 

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