“Love more.” These are the words Judy Garvey lived by and shared with the circle of family and friends who surrounded her in our South Bay community every day of her life. Judy was a brightest light and a force like no other. Her compassion, joy and kindness were precious to all who knew her. She lived with enthusiasm, always open to the next trip, Halloween wig or never-tried-that-never-before excursion until the end of her days. Surrounded by her family, Judy passed away on July 1 at her home in Manhattan Beach after a courageous battle with cancer that she faced with the same grace, strength and dignity that she displayed throughout her life. She is now reunited with the love of her life and husband of 43 years, Donald “Butch” Garvey, who passed away 22 years ago. Her family was the foundation of her life and her greatest legacy. Judy was the proud mother of five children: Bridget Mondt (John), Chris Tight (Steve), Debi Rubel (Brian), Tom Garvey (Mindy), and Marie Garvey (Brian); “Grammie” of nine grandchildren (Caitlin, Kelsey, Charlotte, Griffin, Natalie, Chrissy, Cole, Cade, and Adley); and “GG-Ma” of four great-grandchildren (Levi, Remi, Jaxon, and Cody) with one more on the way! She was the center of this growing and close-knit family, beloved by all who were fortunate enough to be an official Garvey, as well as countless friends who considered “Mom Garvey” a “second mother” and mentor. Judy was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, grew up in Inglewood, California, and attended Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, where she earned her nursing degree and went to work at Daniel Freeman Hospital in Inglewood. It was there that she met Ahlean Garvey, who would soon become her mother-in-law. While Judy was starting her family, she worked as a nurse for the Torrance School District, where she won the Golden Apple Award and later served as the dean of students at Torrance High School. At age 40, she returned to school and earned a master’s degree to become a marriage and family therapist. She continued to volunteer her time and talents throughout her life as a valuable member of her church and the greater community. Judy’s mission to care for people was not just a matter of formal training, it was her authentic calling. She made everyone feel special and part of the Garvey family. Her door was always open and there was always a place for you at her table. She was always there to welcome, listen, encourage, and advise. She had a passion for life and lived it to the fullest each day. She had more energy than someone half her age and was always open to new adventures, including walking 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago in Spain at age 80! She loved traveling, the Dodgers, Disneyland, the beach, and costumes of any kind! She was beautiful inside and out and radiated genuine grace to everyone she met. Even in the last days of her life she had her hair and makeup done, lipstick on, cute new pajamas, and her signature hoop earrings. She greeted everyone with her smile, kept conversations going, and encouraged everyone with her wisdom. She was a true example of how to “love more.” Judy was so full of life that it is hard to imagine a world without her. But her wisdom, grace, love, light, and spirit will live on in her family and all who were blessed enough to know and love her. A mass to commemorate her amazing life will be held on Friday, July 26th at 12:00 noon at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church at 25515 Eshelman Avenue in Lomita, California. A celebration of life for family and friends will follow immediately afterward at the Tight family residence in Palos Verdes Estates. Details and directions will be shared at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s honor may be made to St. Margaret Mary’s Christian Services. Please make checks payable to St. Margaret Mary’s Church Christian Services and mail to 25515 Eshelman Avenue, Lomita, California.