Judith "Judy" Brittain

With heavy hearts, the family of Judy Brittain announce the passing of a very special person. Judith “Judy” Brittain, 77, a beloved mother, grandmother, and dear friend to many, passed away on September 13, 2025, following unforeseen health complications due to cancer.

Judy Brittain (Billman) was born June 19th, 1948, in Dickinson, North Dakota to Joe and Veronica Billman. Judy was the fourth of six children, and the first of two girls. While she was in her high school years, her family moved from Dickinson to Billings, Montana in 1964. As a graduate of Billings Senior High School, Judy went on to attend Billings Business College. She studied secretarial skills and gained employment after graduation at a local insurance company which she greatly enjoyed.

Judy met Jared “Jerry” Brittain at a bowling alley in Billings on a blind date and they hit it off immediately. They married shortly afterwards, and Jerry’s railroad position with Burlington Northern lead the couple to Seattle, Washington in 1969. Judy often told her daughters about the entertain that she and their father had after they moved to Seattle, how they would sit in the city and “people watch” for hours.

Together, Judy and Jerry had two daughters: Janette and Janelle. Their family also included Jerry’s two children: Phillip and Kristine. In 1985 the family move from Seattle to the suburb of Auburn, WA where Judy and Jerry were designing and building their dream of a log cabin home. They moved into the home as soon as the logs and roof were up but without any windows or doors. Judy spent countless hours helping her husband with working on the house and the home became her pride.

Judy was a very caring stay-at-home mother. She was also a talented crafter who enjoyed sewing, cooking and she enjoyed spending time with others. When her daughters grew older, she decided to work at Sears as a tailor. Later, her employment led to office work and working with financial records. She was very proud of her years working at Sears where she safeguarded the store’s assets and cash handling. She often talked about her years of working in the “cash cage”.

Between the years of 1999 and 2004, Judy was blessed with three grandsons and one granddaughter. They were her pride and joy; she spent countless hours cherishing them. She showed her grandchildren guidance and support as they grew to adulthood. Judy was a great part of their lives, was very youthful with them and provided endless fun and love.

In 2012, Judy moved from the log house in Auburn to Gig Harbor. Due to the passing of her husband, she wanted to be closer to family. Judy enjoyed her daily walks, bowling, travel, card games, and frequent outings with friends and family. She loved baking, cooking, and watching the Seahawks and Mariners games. During sport games she frequently wrote down player information which was then shared amongst her family and other fans.

She met Steve Mandle while bowling; they were in the same bowling league. Together they became a wonderful couple. They had so much in common and enjoyed life with the like-minded goal of staying young through new experiences.

Judy's family and friends remember her as having a kind, caring and independent soul. She was youthful and ageless. She showed love and acceptance to all and expressed her devotion to friends, family, and the Catholic church.

Judy is preceded in death by her husband Jerry in 2009; parents Joe and Veronica, brothers Barney and Bill, two sisters-in-law Randi and Diane, and niece Tina.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Janette Siler and Janelle (Rich) McCray. Stepchildren, Phillip (Susan) Brittain and Kristine Dunn. Grandchildren *(in order of age) * Jarrett Siler, Sam McCray, Jillian Siler, and Adam McCray. Sister Shirley Bales and brothers Ken and Jack Billman, along with her nieces and nephews.

We will all miss Judy dearly. She was a strong foundation in many lives and provided comfort to all those who she loved. May we remember her through warm memories and cheerful celebration of her time with us.

Funeral mass will be at 1:00 pm Friday Oct 3rd at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 3510 Rosedale St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.

Reception immediately following at 2:30 Friday Oct 3rd at Inn at Gig Harbor, 3211 56th St, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.

As we celebrate Judy’s life, we will be sharing memories and stories at the reception. If you feel so moved, please prepare a favorite memory to share with everyone.