Judith Nadine Volpato

Judith (Judy) Nadine Jeffery Volpato, was born on June 15, 1942, in Enloe Hospital, to George and Nadine Jeffery. She passed away on February 17, 2021, in Enloe Hospital, with the one and only love of her life, Pietro (Pete) J. Volpato, holding her hand. Judy was the youngest of three and she spent her childhood years in Durham, CA. She graduated from Durham High School in 1960, and married Pete a year later, on September 2, 1961. Together, Judy and Pete created a beautiful life together which included raising two children, Peter (born 1963) and Mia (born 1966). Though much of her contributions to society were behind the scenes, Judy was a compassionate and caring individual who would give the shirt off her back to anyone who was in need. She had the rare ability to speak the truth with love in such a way that one always appreciated her comments and insights…even if they took a while to accept. Judy was active in society through Omega Nu and Eastern Star. She also played Bridge with various groups of ladies throughout the years. She enjoyed the interaction of multi-generations of Chico women and the laughter shared by all. Judy supported Pete in his military and business ventures. She was supportive of his flying, hunting, and other pursuits by keeping the home ready for his return. She was a devoted gardener and pet owner. Her four-legged family members were an important part of her life. Judy and Pete were an inseparable team. They supported one another through thick and thin. They lived out their wedding vows to love, honor, and cherish each other through sickness or health, through poverty or wealth, until earthly death parted them. Judy's childhood was spent on an almond ranch in Durham, where she learned by hand how the "l" was knocked out of the word almond. After their marriage, she spent a brief period of time living in Alameda, while Pete was stationed down there, but the majority of her life was spent in Chico. She spent 20 years working with Pete at A. Volpato, Inc., helping with the accounting at the Leasing Company. Judy also spent an enormous amount of time at Lake Tahoe - and in her younger years she enjoyed hiking and cross-country skiing through Sugar Pine State Park and Meeks Bay. She also spent time with Pete hunting in Wyoming. She was the first family member to hunt and harvest an antelope and the second family member to hunt and harvest a moose. Judy and Pete also traveled the world together. They visited Europe multiple times, and they also traveled to China, Japan, Mexico, Australia, and all over the United States. Cruises were one of their favorite ways to travel. Judy had to wait awhile to get grandchildren, but after they arrived, she became the world's only "Tigger Mama" as this was the name her eldest grandchild, Allyson (2000) gave her. This name evolved into nicknames like "Tiggy" and "Tigs" as Allyson and Ian (2004) grew up. Judy always called Allyson and Ian her favorite grandchildren. It took them a few years to realize they were her only grandchildren. She always made sure the house had special treats and surprises for them when they visited. Allyson and Ian fondly recall shopping trips to the Dollar Store, where they would pick out their treats while Judy waited patiently. Though reserved in nature, and sometimes shy, Judy's personality was also larger than life. She was a commanding force at any social event and people were drawn to her like bees to honey. She was a force to contend with if anyone crossed someone she loved. Judy was not only a devoted wife and mother. She was also a doting daughter to her mother, Nadine, and she was a supportive sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many others. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved. Judy is survived by her faithful and dedicated husband, Pete; her son, Peter, and his fiancé, DeeDee; her daughter, Mia; her "favorite child" Charley the Labradoodle; and her loved and adored grandchildren, Allyson and Ian. Also left behind are her many nieces and nephews, including Jeffery Dematteis (Mike), John Maddrill, Jay Maddrill, Ann (Volpato) Smith, Angie Volpato, Claire Ross, Angela Mickelson, and Karen Volpato, and her grand niece and nephew, Monica Maddrill and John Maddrill. She was predeceased by her parents, siblings, and her in-laws. There are not enough words to describe the impact Judy had on others. Her compassion, determination, thoughtfulness, honesty, and love superseded any of the hurt or suffering she may have endured in life. Though at the end she was plagued with medical issues, she always had a smile and a kind word for others, even when she was in pain. In lieu of flowers, Judy made it clear that she would prefer others receive help through supporting the Enloe Flight Care Fund or through the Omega Nu Foundation. A celebration of life for Judy is being planned for later this year.