Judith Ann Lary

CROSS PLAINS – Judith Ann Lary, age 69, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at home, surrounded by her closest family. She was born July 17, 1950, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Georgia (Lind) and Robert Putnam. She married Steven Lary on July 15, 1978, and together they raised two wonderful children, Brian and Katie. Judith graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1972 with a BA in English and a minor in arts. She also had the opportunity to study at Oxford University in England for a semester. She spent her career working as a copy editor starting at the American Medical Association, freelancing during her children’s younger years, and finally at American Girl (formerly Pleasant Company). If given the chance, she would edit her own obituary, using her green pencil to add Oxford commas and correcting sentence structure. She was an advocate for literacy and, after retiring from American Girl in 2015, worked at the Cross Plains library to share her passion for books. Judith was an artist in every sense. She was an active member of the Madison Knitter’s Guild, Spinner’s Guild, and numerous other art groups. She was a talented Celtic harp player, but her artistic skill shone most through her knitting. Each lace shawl she created was a mastery of intricate detail and precision. She knit beautiful sweaters, stuffed animals, countless pairs of mittens, and a never-ending supply of hats, including newborn hats for infants in poverty. She enjoyed her immense passion for the arts with her entire family. She shared a love of photography and nature with Brian, loved attending American Player’s Theater and Irish music festivals with Steven, and shared a passion for Broadway shows, yoga, and wine with Katie. She touched so many lives through her arts. She felt a strong connection to the earth, and spent many days creating her beautiful gardens with her husband. She loved watching the landscape and wildlife change with each season and often spent mornings drinking coffee and bird watching. She was a chigger magnet and, in the summer, attracted them from counties away. She taught her children to respect the earth, all of its bounty, and every sentient being, even the spiders. On the spring solstice she would feed the fairies milk and cookies. Judith was a wonderful travel companion and had the opportunity to travel the world with her family. Trips to Ireland, Scotland, France, Hawaii, Utah, and California were only a few of the places she went. Perhaps her most memorable trip was in 2013 when she traveled to England with her family. She returned to Oxford University to show her children where she went to school and visit some of her favorite places. There were so many places she hoping to travel to but circumstances beyond her control curtailed her travel plans. She is preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her husband, Steven; her children, Brian and Katie; grand puppy, Arlo Benedict; sister, Robin (Bob) Conrad; and so many dear relatives and friends. To honor the natural cycle of life and leave a legacy of care and respect for the earth and its inhabitants, Judith will be buried at the Natural Path Sanctuary, a green cemetery located at the Farley Center in Verona, Wis. A private burial will be held for close family. A memorial service will be held at a later date once the spring flowers have sprung. Donations can be made in her honor to Gilda’s Club Madison (www.gildasclubmadison.org) or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (www.birds.cornell.edu/home). The family would like to thank the UW Carbone Cancer Center, especially Dr. Justine Bruce, Gilda’s Club in Middleton, Wis., and Agrace HospiceCare for the wonderful care provided to Judith and her family. “Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; And give not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year.” -Robert Frost Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761