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Judith Ritchie Lowe, loving mother of Mary Ellen Lowe and Laura Jean Coe, passed away at Middlesex Hospital on March 27, at the age of 97. Judy was the only child of John and Helen Ritchie. She was predeceased by her husband Edward T. Lowe.

Judy was born Nov. 1, 1923, and grew up in Hartford. After graduating from Bulkeley High School, she worked in the banking industry in Hartford and later along the shoreline. In 1981, she became the Westbrook tax collector. It combined two of her favorite things: reconciling numbers and being in the know about town happenings. She was known for her tireless dedication to Westbrook. Judy was a faithful communicant of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for almost 65 years. Her faith guided her through all of life’s hardships, and the church was her source of comfort and community.

Besides her daughters, she leaves her favorite son-in-law Rick Coe and granddaughter Sarah Small, her husband Jacob, and granddaughter Rachel Coe. Judy and Rachel enjoyed a special bond, visiting at Judy’s house every Saturday morning. She also leaves a great grandson, Jack Small, who brought her endless joy in the last 2 ½ years of her life.

Judy loved spending time with her family, bird watching, reading, indulging her sweet tooth, and traditions including the Westbrook Muster.

Please join us for a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 22 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Westbrook. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or Forgotten Felines in Judy’s memory.