Judith Marks-White — a longtime local newspaper columnist and writing teacher — died earlier this month. She was 84. (Click here, then scroll down for her obituary.)
Her friend Alina Rodescu-Pitchon wrote this tribute, and read it during Judith’s shiva:
Judith was 17 years my senior, but was really way younger than I.
Through the triumphs and tribulations of life’s journey, she always managed to keep the spirit and wonder of an ageless soul.
She was feisty, sassy and proud — a force to be reckoned with. She was my dear friend, and I thought she would live forever.
We gallivanted around town, met for lunch at Aux Delices almost daily, and shared our deepest and darkest secrets, things we couldn’t tell anyone else (except perhaps our shared doctor, Jill Denowitz).
Judith Marks-White (left) and Alina Rodescu-Pitchon.
We celebrated each other’s birthdays with festive dinners, numerous cards and unique presents. She was a beautiful, witty, talented and loyal friend. And we had a way of savoring life in good times while making each other feel better in trying ones.
Most know Judith as a Westport icon, greeting everyone with a bright smile and cheery words. Her humor writing, gracing the likes of the Westport News, “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and her 2 published novels, “Seducing Harry” and “Bachelor Degree,” portrayed a light touch that would tickle the funny bone while gently poking fun at everyday life.
But what most people didn’t know about Judith is that she was also a brave warrior and survivor. She felt deeply and profoundly the preciousness of life, and the value of her family and friends.
She had a fight in her that enabled her to not only survive illnesses and physical challenges, but losses and disappointments as well.
After her husband Mort died, the love of her life, she picked herself up and started teaching at Norwalk Community College. She so loved her students and did such a fabulous job that she was voted Teacher of the Year. She never did anything halfway.
Judith Marks-White
She dressed for stress, as we used to say, and bright red lipstick was always applied, even in the darkest of times. Visiting her at Waveny where she was convalescing, she never failed to greet me with a red smile.
Judith was more than my friend; she was a part of my family. We laughed, we cried, we laughed till we cried, we fought and made up.
Sometimes we would yell at each other at the top of our lungs, only to settle down and end the conversation with ”phew, that was brutal. We really know how to be dramatic. But you know I love you no matter what.”
She adored Westport, and I saw Westport through her eyes. So I loved it too.
In losing its grande dame and her sparkling personality, Westport lost some of its luster. She was a part of a generation that appreciated fine art, classical music and living with grace.
Go gently to your beloved Mort, my dear friend. You will always be loved, and terribly missed.
Beautifully written tribute to your dear friend, Judith Marks-White-
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You’re quite fortunate to have had a truly wonderful friend..a rare thing in this crazy world. 🙂
When I first returned to work, she was one of the very first people I worked with. She was so kind, gentle and inspiring. We stayed in touch for years and then sadly drifted apart. The world has lost a very good soul.
Such a beautiful tribute to a super special lady. May her memory be for a blessing!
Judith always came into Max’s Art Supplies where I worked for 29 years. Her smile and kindness will be missed. I framed many pieces for her at Max’s and many more here at Rockwell in Westport. We loved talking about the times past and I enjoyed her company. This tribute was beautifully written.
I will miss her as will the rest of the town.
Oh, so sorry to hear about Judith. She was remarkable. I took one of her writing classes almost 15 years ago and it was so enjoyable that I still relate the lessons learned to others. Rest in peace, Judith.
What Alina said times ten.
Judith’s spirit will always live on. She touched everyone with her vibrant life force and zest for doing good and being kind to all who came across her path.
So much gratitude fills my heart for having known Judith.
Judith was the best—funny, sensitive, caring. My family and I will ways remember her
Judith’s passing is a loss to her family, friends and to our community. She was originally from Passaic, New Jersey and was raised in the tightly knit Jewish community. Her home was across the street from my grandparents’ house. In recent years, she occasionally wrote about growing up in this Passaic Jewish community for the monthly journal of the North Jersey Jewish Historical Society. She will be missed.
We loved her.
So perfectly written. I adored her. Lovely is the word which describes her. Judith, you will be truly missed. Westport will never be the same without your presence.
RIP♥️🥰🎊💐🍾🎈
I will miss her cheery presence around town. Westport has lost a light that shined with goodness and friendship . Thank you Alina for this beautiful tribute .
I just saw this beautiful tribute.
For many years, Judith and I talked about writing. But mostly we talked about hair– HER hair, usually, that fabulous mass of silver curls–and where the BEST place was to get it cut. She never really wanted her hair cut, nor did she much like her haircuts, but she definitely wanted to obsess over who was the best haircutter in the world, so that maybe, maybe, one day she’d book an appointment. Writing, she’d say, was an okay subject for discussion….but hey, first things first.