Shrewsbury – Judith Gail (Chooljian) Gillam, 75, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on June 28 with her loving family at her side.
Judy’s long and intermittent battle with cancer ended at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester, where she was treated with care, dignity, and affection.
Judy was born in Worcester, the daughter of Azad “Ozzie” and Armenuhe “Amy” Chooljian. She graduated from South High School in 1965 and went on to hold several secretarial and administrative positions.
She was proud to have worked at Thom McCann Shoe Company for many years, and ultimately for Saint-Gobain Norton, retiring after 25 years at the Northborough Research Facility.
She enjoyed sewing after learning from her Aunt Julia Papazian as a youngster, and later in life, enjoyed yoga and crafting personalized greeting cards for family and friends. She was known for keeping a tidy home and enjoyed tending to flowers and shrubs around the yard. She enjoyed cooking and baking in the spirit of her Armenian heritage and took great pride in the achievements of her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dean, at home; their son, Scott, his wife Dawn, and two grandchildren, Lennox and Emilia, of Shavertown, PA; and her sister, Lois Ann Chooljian, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, who was able to join Dean and Scott in Judy’s final days.
In addition to those of the VNA who cared for her at Rose Monahan, Judy’s family wishes to thank all the caregivers at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, both in Boston and Milford, and St. Vincent Hospital, as well as all the neighbors, many lifelong friends, and the “Fun Girls” she socialized with frequently. Her departure will leave an enduring mark on everyone she had contact with throughout her life.
A private graveside memorial service is planned for the fall 2023.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Judy to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org.
Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.
