Judith Ellen Lafond

Judith Ellen Lafond, of Manchester, NH passed away peacefully August 17, 2026, surrounded by family, just 4 days after her 64th birthday celebration. She was the youngest of 6 children born to Robert L. Lafond and Isabella (Koczela) Lafond.

Judy was born in Manchester, graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1984 and attended Plymouth State College and Chester College of New England and lived and worked in Manchester until her very recent move to Bedford Hills. She worked at Château Restaurant, The Fish Peddler, Valley View Country Club, and at the Masonic Home as Activities Director.

Judy had a very challenging day to day life, struggling with various limitations and working hard to keep her boat afloat with its uneven keel straining in rough waters and unfavorable winds. She was a loving pet mother to Kluski, Romeo, Poncho and Raji at different times in her life. She appreciated the muscular beauty of horses, the social empathy of elephants and the charming behavior of birds at her feeder. She had a love of food and heartily enjoyed going out to dine or making a meal to share. Her specialty was golombki. (Consult your Polish cookbook.)

Judy had the brightest smile, an incredible memory, was generous to a fault and was full of surprises. She had a wonderfully creative mind, coupled with artistic talent and her own brand of offbeat humor. If you got a personalized, homemade birthday card from Judy it was a one-of-a-kind, treasured keepsake. We will miss her so and laugh until we cry remembering her antics and wondering just how that brain of hers worked.

Without ever knowing it she taught us patience, trust, humility, dedication, acceptance, perseverance and understanding. We were so blessed to have her in our family.

She was predeceased by her parents and two siblings, Louise Latvis in 2015 and Robert Lafond, Jr. in 2021. She is survived by her siblings Elizabeth Larrabee (Mark) of New London, NH, Michael Lafond and his wife Gretchen Booth of Bedford, NH, Lynne Paul, of Northwood, NH and sister-in-law, Pamela Cox. She was also predeceased by her brothers-in-law Thomas Garner, Steven Latvis and Herbert Paul.

Judy is survived by 9 much loved nieces and nephews- Laura (Lafond) Mercier, Eric Larrabee, Alexandre Lafond, Andrew Lafond, Matthew Lafond, Trent Larrabee, John Latvis, Aimee Lafond and Stephanie (Latvis) Costa, 8 great-nieces and nephews- Noah, Flora, Lukas, Ella, Logan, Rose, Brady and Russell as well as 16 cousins.

To all who gave her their love and attention, we are deeply grateful.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of her family.