July 24, 1943 – October 7, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Judy Nowlin. Judy passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Oct. 7, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
Judy was a kind and brilliant woman with a pizazz for life and a smile that lit up every room. She was a dedicated and loving wife, the best mom and grandma, passionate animal lover, and a loyal friend to many. She will be deeply missed.
Judy was born on July 24, 1943 to Edward and Elizabeth “Bette” Paszek in Middletown, Connecticut. The family moved west to Reno, Nevada where Judy and her sisters were raised. Judy attended St. Thomas Aquinas Academy and Bishop Monague Catholic High School where she was a proud cheerleader and 1961 graduate. Judy continued her education at Dominican College of San Rafael, California (1965 graduate) and spent a memorable semester in Florence, Italy where her love of fashion, travel, pasta, and affogato’s was born.
Judy met the love of her life, Jerry Nowlin, when he came into The Nugget for a meal while stationed at Stead Air Force Base. They married in 1967 and hopped around the country with the Air Force before settling in Bellevue, Washington. They raised their 2 children in Bellevue and Marin County, California. Always a social butterfly and enthusiastic philanthropist, Judy lent her talents to the Junior Leagues of Seattle and San Francisco, Edgewood Center for Children and Families, Shreve and Co. Board, many PTA’s and school organizations and was a Cub Scout leader. Her biggest passion and proudest moments were her years of work as president of the Mill Valley Film Festival in Mill Valley, California.
Judy and Jerry relocated to Park City, Utah in 1993 fulfilling their dream to live in the mountains. Judy quickly adapted and began a second career in real estate. She loved that the entire state celebrated her birthday. She was an active member of the Park City real estate community and had a successful career with The Deer Valley Club, Coldwell Banker, Prudential and Berkshire Hathaway Utah Properties. She loved meeting clients from all over the country and forged many lifelong friendships.
Judy lived passionately for her family and pets. She adored her grandchildren and looked forward to annual adventures to the Jackson Lake Lodge, Disneyland, trimming the Christmas tree, The Nutcracker and Benihana tradition and capturing the perfect Christmas card photo.
Judy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Jerry Nowlin; son Garrett Nowlin; daughter Courtney Nowlin Opdyke and her husband, Chris Opdyke; 5 grandsons, Kyle and Cameron Nowlin and Alex, Sam and Andy Opdyke; 2 sisters, Suzi Cowan (Mike Cowan) and Leslie Paszek Snider and her beloved shih-tzu’s, Poppy and Daisy along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Judy’s honor to one of her favorite Park City nonprofits: Nuzzles and Co. (nuzzlesandco.org) or The National Ability Center (discovernac.com)