In Memoriam: Judi Leven

Healdsburg resident Judi Levens — a familiar face at the Healdsburg Farmers Market, alongside her husband John — has died of cancer, according to friends and family. Jennifer Utsch, a local artist who goes by Jendala, remembered Judi in a recent Facebook post: “Always arm-in-arm with her parter John, they always came by the Tuesday Farmer’s Market to check in on me, create custom Jendala signs… and shine their love. They would come into the studio to check in on [my dog] Gunner boy as he loved the spoiling from Judi and her natural mothering instincts.” Jendala has waged a long and public battle against cancer herself. “This is a big hard blow,” she writes. “I will miss you Judi. As well I carry you in my thoughts which give me so much strength to overcome my times of negativity and self doubt. This gift from you is priceless. Knowing people like you has made my life in Healdsburg so bright and meaningful.” In a comment on Jen’s post, Brigette Ann Mansell — Judi’s neighbor and former mayor of Healdsburg — lists the things she loved about Judi, including “her warm smile, her genuine approach to engage in conversation, her dedication to our community, her love and care of John [and] her constant support.” According to Judi’s LinkedIn profile, she “worked for many years in Semis and Software as sales management on a local and national basis” and ran a bed-and-breakfast down in Mexico with her husband. She also served on the board of the Healdsburg Farmers Market as a “community liaison,” says market manager Janet Ciel. (Source: Jendala via Facebook & Judi MacGregor-Levens via LinkedIn & Healdsburg Farmers Market via Facebook)