Judy Ann Anderson

Judy Ann Anderson, 66, of Phoenix, Arizona died Friday, Feb 20, 2015. There will be no services. In support of life, her body was donated to advance medicine through Science Care, a whole body donor program.

She was born April 10, 1948 in Erie, Pennsylvania to Richard C. (Dick) and Jeanne M. (Samson) Mead, and later adopted by William J. (Bill) Anderson.

She graduated Strong Vincent High School in Erie, PA in 1966 and worked at Alley Aids (family-owned bowling supplies). She married David Peplinski in 1967. With his Army career they lived in various states including New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and Kentucky, eventually settling in Phoenix, Arizona, divorcing in 1985.

She struggled with brain tumors for eighteen years that eventually left her blind, but continued to live on her own until the last three months of her life, a role model to everyone around her. Everyone who met Judy found her a warm, funny, and engaging a person who lit up the room with her personality and bright blue eyes.

She loved to eat and cook, (making everything from scratch with love and big flavor), enjoying nothing more than sharing her culinary creations with a big crowd. There was always room for one more at her table. She loved a good party, a good drink, a good joke.

She loved to sew, knit, and crochet, continuing her knitting hobby, though profoundly blind, making beautiful scarves and afghan blankets for anyone who asked.

She was quick to laugh at her own mistakes and was one of the most generous, thoughtful people you could ever meet. She loved to sing off-key and dance around the kitchen as she cooked, and once on the dance floor it was impossible to get her off. But mostly, she loved her family, putting everyone first and doing everything in her power to help them when they were in need.

Survivors include two daughters Tammy Ann (Peplinski) Francis of Lockhart TX, and Jennifer Ann (Peplinski) Millett of Peoria, AZ. Grandchildren Danielle Shepherd, Donovan Shepherd, Ryan Shepherd, Clara Francis and Charles (Chas) Francis.

Sisters, Mrs. Michael (Sally) Joss, Kathleen J. Anderson, Mrs. Jackson (Mary Ellen) Cantrell, Kimberley M. Anderson, Mrs. Mark (Erin) Lawson, Mrs. Sonny (Alice) McNamee and brothers, Thomas J. Anderson, Richard C. Mead; nieces and nephews Larry, Jeannie, Abigail, Billy, Kirby, Sarah, Elizabeth, Clayton, Mead, Richie, Connor and Shasta. Godmother of Gemma and Thania Lopez, Mexico City. And her faithful companion Riley: the wonder dog (mixed breed Dachshund and Chihuahua).

Judy was taken too early, but led a life steeped in love, respect, and admiration. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy's name to Barrow Neurological Foundation for brain tumor research at this link: https://www.supportbarrow.org/donate.