Judy Parsons Gaughf

Judy Parsons Gaughf passed away at home on October 7, 2025 after a courageous and inspiring journey with cancer. Born to Jim and Billie Parsons, Judy was a lifelong Monterey native. She was a proud alum of Junipero Serra School and Monterey High School, frequently planning reunions for the Monterey High School Class of 1972. She attended Monterey Peninsula College, Cal Poly, and then the University of Washington to pursue her love of teaching. She held various teaching positions in Washington and California until she landed on her ultimate calling at Chartwell School in Seaside. First as a teacher and later as the Dean of Students, she never forgot a student she taught or a colleague she worked with. Chartwell was a true vocation for her. She remained very committed to its mission even after her retirement in 2020.
Relationships were at the core of Judy's soul. She was married to the love of her life, Patterson Gaughf, until 2024 when he passed away of cancer. Her two children, Shannon and Tanner, were at the center of her world as well as her beloved grandson, Bronson. She absolutely loved her siblings and extended family and hosting the holidays in the Gaughf family home became an honored tradition. She was also surrounded by an incredible group of friends ranging from childhood best friends all the way through friendships made in adulthood. She remembered every birthday and every milestone, cherishing her relationships with the people in her life. Her family wishes to thank her many friends for being by her side through the best and hardest years of her life.
Judy is survived by countless loved ones including her daughter Shannon Dillon (Ross), her son Tanner Gaughf, her grandson Bronson Dillon, her sister Stephanie Jones, her brother Sam Parsons (Janet), and the rest of her beloved family: Lisa, Michael, Chris, Leah, Cameron, Bailey, Alana, Alicia, Lauren, Tony, Emily, Tom, Paige, Austin, Ethan, Jonathan, Eli, Skylar, Owen, Olivia, Sophia, and Lucas. She is also survived by close friends Curt and Barbara Petersen, Gene and Teresa Brown, Jim and Nancy Noack, Nora Lee, and so many others. In addition, she will be remembered by her caregiver Katrina and Katrina's daughters, Ryan and Gia, who became her family over the past 12 months.
The family would like to thank her devoted caregivers Katrina Randazzo, Franz Royo, Tony Royo, and Rose Macario, her physical therapist Michael Romiza, and her doctors Dr. Nancy Rubin and Dr. Kyla Velaer for giving her so much dignity through end of life. We will never forget their compassionate care of Judy.
Judy was a spirited and kind-hearted woman known for her infectious laugh and competitive streak. Whether she was lighting up a room with her humor or fiercely battling it out on the pickleball court, she brought energy, joy, and determination to everything she did. Judy leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Patterson Gaughf, her brother Robert Parsons, her brother in law Joe Jones, and her parents Jim and Billie Parsons.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chartwell School or Santa Catalina School, two schools that were near and dear to her heart.

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