Judith Ann Wanhala (Judy)

Judith Ann Wanhala, 82, of Albuquerque, New Mexico (formerly Minneapolis), passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Preceded in death by her parents, brother, and sister, and loving partner of 35 years, Anne Thorsen Truax. Survived by many loving family members: Tom (Rebecca Pavleňko), David, Steve (Penny), John (Diana Lewis), and Rick Truax; six grandchildren, Colby Mattson (Nicki), Maggie McGough (Zack), Sam Truax (Karen Arnold Truax), Helen Truax (Jesse Norton), Martha Truax, and Peter Truax (Ryan Coopergard); eight great-grandchildren, Cedar, Linden, Henry, Leo, Tybalt, Quentin, Zoey, and Mason; niece, Lisa Peterson (John); nephew, Roger Tripp (Cathy); and many lifelong friends.

Judy was born in Minneapolis on December 20, 1942. She graduated from West High School and received a degree in English Literature from the University of Minnesota--the first person in her family to graduate from college. Judy spent her career in academia at UNM, serving in the College of Liberal Arts and retiring in 2002 as the Associate Director of the CLA Honors Division. Judy adored helping young people navigate college life and learning about what was trendy.

In 1977, Judy met Anne Truax, who remained the love of her life until Anne's death in 2012. Anne and Judy moved to Albuquerque in 2002. As they had in Minneapolis, Anne and Judy enjoyed a life of birdwatching, gardening, reading, travel, and spending time with family, friends, and pets.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, June 8th at 11 a.m. If you are interested, please call 505-363-1296 for more information.

In lieu of flowers, donations to NMPBS, the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation or a charity of your choice are appreciated.