HOPE — Judith Althea Brackett, 67, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Born in Farmington, June 4, 1956, she was the daughter of Arthur W. and Virginia Ashley Porter. Judy grew up in the village of Farmington Falls with her five brothers on the banks of the Sandy River in a home overflowing with love for one another. She attended the local two-room schoolhouse until 5 th grade, having the same teacher for grades K-3. After graduating from Mt. Blue High School in 1974, she attended UMF receiving her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1976. The town of Farmington and all the loving, lasting friendships she made there held a special place in Judy’s heart.

Judy began her working career at Peter Pan Childcare Center, in Augusta, until the price of fuel in the 1970s forced her to find work closer to home. She worked at Maine Dowel until its closing, Knowlton McLeary Printing and Strong Wood Products. Everywhere she went, she made many lasting friendships with her coworkers, saying “it wasn’t really work if you made it fun.”

In the late 1980s she decided to practice the 3 C’s of life and made a CHOICE, to take a CHANCE and CHANGE her life. Not knowing anyone, she applied for and took the position of ‘Nanny’ for the Coppola family in Rockland. She felt truly blessed to have been connected with this family where she knew God was with her and she was needed and loved. It was in this home that she met Bryan Brackett, the love of her life, her best friend and soulmate. Bryan, the mechanic, came to the house one day, saw Judy and asked Dr. C., “Who’s that?” to which Bill replied, “That’s our nanny.” Bryan responded, “What the heck’s a nanny?” Judy asked Sheila, after he left “who was that?” Shelia replied, “that’s our mechanic” and the rest is history… Lovingly referred to as The Nanny and The Mechanic, they have pretty much been inseparable since catching each other’s eyes.

They were married in St. George on June 16, 1990, and for the past 30 years have enjoyed numerous adventures together. That same year they purchased a piece of property in South Hope where Bryan started his business and they made their loving home.

When the Coppola kids grew and all were in school, Judy continued to work for them at their Medical Practice where she remained for 25 years, retiring in 2020. Not one to sit still long, Judy took a position as a substitute in the Camden Hills Regional High School kitchen. This was another position that was not just work, it was just fun. She loved being with the kitchen crew, forming new friendships.

Always a lover of the outdoors, Judy enjoyed trips with her parents and brothers to the Wads Wood Lot. Her mother always packed a picnic lunch with a box of devil dogs for dessert. Judy was a chocoholic and loved all things chocolate. Happy that Bryan also enjoyed the outdoors, together they enjoyed snowmobiling, ATVing, hiking, gardening, camping, fishing and exploring the beautiful state of Maine together. Every outing was an adventure.

Judy and Bryan cleared land in Monson to build their ‘little piece of heaven’ which they called ‘Makin-Doo’ because of their love of Ski-Doo snowmobiles, and the love and time they put into it. Using whatever materials they could find and afford, Judy and Bryan never had to borrow any money to build it, something she considered one of their greatest accomplishments.

Judy and Bryan taught each other many things over the years. She taught him to like spinach and greens grown in her garden, and being the farm boy he was, he taught her to love tractors and tractor pulling. Traveling all over the Maine, Canada, New York and Ohio, they enjoyed many trips to watch tractor pulling.

Judy was a caring compassionate person who always tried to see the positive in everyone and every situation. Her untimely passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of all who loved her.

Predeceased by her parents; her oldest brother, Dan; her parents-in-law, Albert and Marion Bracket; and the only grandparent she ever knew and adored, Helen ‘Gram’ Brackett; Judy is survived by her loving husband, Bryan of Hope; her sister-in-law, Diane; her brothers Jay (Bev) of Farmington Falls, Bob (Robin), Larry, Mike (Doris) all of New Sharon; her bonus brother, Mark (Sherry) Brackett of Rockland, Richard (Lois) Brackett of Brooksville, Florida; her nieces and nephews, Melissa, Melonie, Ian, Lisbeth, Erica, Kim, Alycia, Nate, Jacob, Jordan, and Ashley; many great and great-great nieces and nephews; also her much loved bonus family, the Coppola family of Rockland; and her many cherished friends throughout Maine.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held Monday, June 10, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church, 393 Water Street, Augusta.

Judy will be laid to rest Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Achorn Cemetery, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to a local food pantry or Make-a-Wish Foundation of Maine.

To share a memory or condolence with Judy’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.