Judith Mary Chaires

Judy was born to James F. and Mildred Lehan in Evanston Illinois December 21, 1938. She moved with her family to Winter Park at an early age. She graduated from Winter Park High School and received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Florida State University. She moved to Bradenton FL after graduation to take a position teaching kindergarten. It was in Bradenton where she met Tom Chaires, the love of her life, and their adventure began. They were married in 1961. They had two children, Jennifer Routh (Bradenton), and Peter Chaires (Lake Mary FL).

Judy was a former member of Entre Nous Club of Manatee County, Service Club of Manatee County, and was a member of Christian Reformed Church of Bradenton. Earlier in her life she served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Guardian ad Litem and school librarian. She loved animals, gardening, children, fishing, friends, and family. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life, and she instilled the importance of continually growing in one’s faith in her children and grandchildren. She knew the name of every neighbor, as well as their pets, and quickly became acquainted with any newcomers. She valued her American citizenship and tried to do her part to make her community a better place.

Judy died peacefully on a beautiful Sunday morning, February 11, 2024, in the presence of family. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Tom, Sister Virginia Thomas and her husband Dr. William Thomas, and her brother James E. Lehan and his wife Gary. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer, son Peter, daughter in law Kimberly, granddaughter Emily Shkrab (husband Nathan), grandson Jacob Chaires (wife Ashley), grandson Lucas Chaires (wife Angelica), step grandson Dalton Randall (wife Ashley, daughter Annabelle), three great grandchildren (Jayden Wayne Shkrab, James Holden Chaires, Laurent Rhodes Chaires), eight nieces and nephews and their respective families. Extended family and friends, all dear to her, are too numerous to mention.

A service will be held at Bradenton Christian Reformed Church (4208 26 th St W, Bradenton) on March 2 nd, 2024, at 1:00PM. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall. Guests are welcome to accompany the family to a short graveside interment at Mansion Memorial (1400 36 th Ave, Ellenton FL).