Judith K. Laird: 1948 – 2024
It is with profound love and respect that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Judi Laird. Born on May 5, 1948, in Casper, Wyoming, she passed away on September 6, 2024, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, surrounded by those who loved her. She maintained her great sense of humor and faced the end with the same positivity, grace, strength, and love that defined her life.
We took time to process her passing and begin healing, wanting to honor her appropriately with words that truly reflect her spirit and the impact she had on all of us. While we shared the news on social media at the time, we realize some may be hearing about her passing only now.
Judi was the devoted mother of Jason and Damon Laird, embracing her daughters-in-law, Dee and Amber, as her own. She unwaveringly cherished and deeply loved her grandchildren, Sterling and Rogan, and step-grandchildren: Uriah, Bree, Aurora, Emilee, Jeremy, Ava, and Eli. A loving daughter to Charles and Barbara Poole, and a caring sister to Edward and Barbara, she was also a beloved aunt to James and Heath. She was married to, and later divorced from, Dallas Laird.
Family and friendships meant everything to Judi. Even when relationships were strained, she worked tirelessly to mend fences, always striving to keep loved ones together. She was a supermom, actively participating in her sons’ school events, driving them to countless hockey practices and games, and cheering from the stands. Jason’s and Damon’s friends always felt she treated them with respect, honesty, and humor, many seeing her as a second mother. She valued her lifelong friendships, and many supported her up to her passing.
As a city council member and eventually mayor of Casper, Wyoming, Judi served her community with passion and dedication. She believed in random acts of kindness and treating everyone with respect. Trusted and a great confidant, she didn’t speak ill of others. In times of difficulty, she was the person you wanted to talk to—comforting and encouraging perseverance, no matter how bleak things felt. These qualities served our community and her constituents well.
She made her home warm and welcoming, especially during the holidays when she transformed it into a place of beauty and joy. Beautiful inside and out, Judi always dressed with style and grace. She believed in showing up, never missing an opportunity to support and encourage others. Genuinely interested in people’s lives, she was a cheerleader for whatever they had going on. Kind and selfless, she was full of light, never asking for anything in return.
Judi had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh until tears filled her eyes and her sides ached. Her joy was infectious, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt welcomed and valued. She often said, “I try to only worry about things if and when they happen,” reminding us that many of our worries never come to pass. She had an extraordinary ability to trust that the good things she needed would show up at just the right time, demonstrating faith, strength, and power—qualities she had in abundance.
Despite losing her father at the young age of 11, navigating a divorce, and overcoming many health and life issues, Judi faced life’s challenges with unstoppable positivity and resilience. Later in life, after dedicating her earlier years to her family and community, she returned to school, showing us all that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. She received a degree in Interior Design and had a unique talent for making homes beautiful.
She was a phenomenal chef, and you could feel the love and care she put into everything she made. Her meals were more than just food; they were expressions of her affection and a way she brought people together. Family gatherings were filled with delicious aromas, heartfelt conversations, and, of course, laughter.
We are incredibly grateful to have had Judi in our lives. She was a remarkable woman who taught us to love, give, and persevere. She will be deeply missed by all who were touched by her warmth and positivity.
Mom, you were a blessing and a gift. Your faith, strength, and power continue to inspire us. We cannot wait to see you again one day.
In honor of her memory, please consider performing a random act of kindness in her name, continuing the legacy of love and generosity that she embodied throughout her life.
“There’s always room at the table,” Judi used to say; a testament to her inclusive spirit and open heart. Let us carry forward her example by showing up for others, trusting in the goodness of life, and embracing each day with style, grace, and genuine positivity.
