Juliette L. Kirkwood Whitehead

Juliette L. "Judy" (Talbot) Kirkwood Whitehead, 98, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Born on February 16, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Talbot and Laurette (Gagne) Talbot.

Judy grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts, and graduated from Durfee High School. In 1947, she married the late Arthur P. Kirkwood. Judy and Art briefly lived in Newport before settling in New Bedford, where she made her home for 50 years.

Following Arthur's passing, Judy married Walter Whitehead Sr. Together, they resided in New Bedford and Sebring, Florida.

Judy worked for many years as a district manager for Avon before retiring and pursuing her lifelong love of art. She attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She was a member of the Bierstadt Art Society in New Bedford, as well as several other local art societies.

During her retirement in Sebring, Judy remained deeply involved in the art community. She exhibited her work in numerous galleries, earned several awards, and shared her talents by teaching art classes. Her creativity and passion for art brought joy and inspiration to many.

Judy is survived by, Patricia Esposito of Belchertown, Massachusetts; Michael Kirkwood and his wife, Jannine Mitchell, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts; Laura Kirkwood of Belchertown, Massachusetts; and Linda Kirkwood of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. She also leaves five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

All services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smile Train by visiting www.smiletrain.org or the Life Care Center of Wilbraham, 2399 Boston Rd. Wilbraham, MA 01095.