Longtime Killington resident and avid skier Judy O. Findeisen passed away on January 22nd, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born October 13th, 1932, in Newport, Rhode Island, Judy was the oldest of Dorothy and Arnold Openshaw’s three children. She grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, swimming, horseback riding and skiing. It was while attending St. Lawrence University that she met and fell in love with Walter T.C. Findeisen. They were married July 8th, 1953, in Coronado, California.
In 1960, having moved from California to Long Island, New York, Judy and Walt purchased property in Killington, Vermont. In early 1962, with their two young sons and a dog, they moved to Vermont, living in a tent from early May until mid-October. By day, Judy worked in the Killington ski shop, while Walt was working trail crew. Nights and weekends were devoted to building a home. A year later they welcomed their daughter, Tami, into the new house in the woods.
Six short years later they were at it again, building and then operating Timbers Lodge. Judy ran the lodge including breakfast and dinner for the guests.
In addition to raising her family, Judy held many different jobs, including retail sales, school bus driver, bank teller, and vacation lodge owner/manager, chef, and housekeeper.
In 1976 Judy began her career in Real Estate working alongside her husband Walt at Martin Associates Mountain Real Estate in Killington, retiring in 2020.
Judy was very active in the small but growing Killington community. She was one of the founding members of the Sherburne Women’s Club and the Sherburne Co-operative Nursery School.
She was an active member of the Killington Ski Club – helping to start what is now the annual ski sale. She was elected as Justice of the Peace in 1987 and served through 2010.
Later she enjoyed traveling with Walt and friends and was an active member of the Rutland Garden Club.
Judy is survived by her son Walter (Miriam), son Jeff (Kim), daughter Tami, grandchildren Courtney (Nate), Marc, and Sarah, and great-grandson Parker. She is also survived by her sister Lass ’56 and sisters-in-law, Babs, Ginny, Janice, Pam, and many nieces, nephews.
She was pre-deceased by her husband Walt, her brother Jim and brothers-in-law John and Charlie.
In leu of flowers please consider donating to the Shriners Hospital for Children, the Wounded Warriors Foundation or a charity of your choice.
There are no services at this time.