Judith Laurens

Judith (“Judy”) Johnston Laurens, beloved mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend, passed away on February 4, 2026 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was 86.

Judy was born on April 3, 1939 to Sarah (“Sally”) and Thomas (“Tommy”) Johnston, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where she grew up. She attended Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. During this time, she met her husband Stephen, who was living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The two shared a wonderful relationship. When asked about her marriage recently, Judy explained that she knew she could grow as a person with Stephen as her partner, and that is what drew her to him. After several years, they decided to move to Cincinnati, Ohio to be near Stephen’s family and join the family machine tool business. Together, they built a life in Cincinnati for themselves and their two children, Karen and Andrew. Judy later earned her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in Early Childhood Education and taught several courses there. She was also involved in the launch of the Head Start program in Southwest Ohio. Judy later became Director of the Norwood Service League and Day Care Center, serving that community for many years until her retirement.

In addition to her professional life, Judy had many interests and passions that she pursued. She became active in Independent Voters of Ohio upon arrival in Cincinnati. Later, she enjoyed renovating and reselling homes, particularly in the urban neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine (“OTR”) in Cincinnati, where she also became very involved in the OTR neighborhood council. During their marriage, she and Stephen enjoyed traveling and building an eclectic collection of art, ranging from contemporary to folk art.

Later in life, Judy moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, a place that was deeply meaningful to her and Stephen. Judy was very strong-willed with a wonderful sense of humor, great curiosity, and a vibrant presence. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading, attending lectures, chamber music concerts, and faithfully listening to the nightly news. A devoted admirer of folk art, she enjoyed her longtime involvement as a contributing member of the board of Friends of Folk Art, an organization that supports the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe. Judy’s appreciation for art, culture, and lifelong learning was evident to all who knew her.

Judy was predeceased by her husband, Stephen Laurens; her son, Andrew Laurens; her mother, Sarah Patterson; her father, Thomas Johnston; and her brother, David Johnston. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Laurens (Linc Materna), and her grandchildren, Lauren Chamberlin (Bradley Mills) and Michael Chamberlin. She is also survived by other cherished family members and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date, to take place in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, NM (www.museumfoundation.org/give-moifa) (Museum of New Mexico Foundation, 11411 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501 memo-MOIFA in memory of Judy Laurens), or the charity of one’s choice.