Beloved mother, grandmother, CUSD teacher

Judith Carol Roberts, affectionately known as Judi, died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of September 23, 2024, at the age of 78. Her children said she faced a courageous battle with uterine cancer, which spread to her lungs, yet her fierce determination and strength remained unwavering.

Born on December 13, 1945, she was the cherished first daughter of Walter John and Geraldine Lewis. According to her family, her father had always dreamed of having a ‘little Judi,’ and she fulfilled that dream with warmth, wit and a generous heart. She spent her early years on the ranch in the Antelope Valley before moving to Pomona. She graduated from Ganesha High School in 1963 and later earned her degree from Cal State Hayward.

She married Frank Roberts in November 1969, and they had three children together: Heather, Amy, and Lawson. The family settled in Claremont in 1976, moving into what the children described as the “iconic” yellow house on the corner. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives — volunteering at Oakmont and Chaparral elementary schools, leading scout troops, and tirelessly driving them to classes at Village Dance Arts as well as sports practices and games.

Following her divorce, she pursued her teaching credential and went on to dedicate more than 22 years to Claremont Unified School District, teaching special day classes at Condit and later Chaparral Elementary School before retiring in 2010. Her family said she was a dedicated and compassionate teacher who loved engaging with her students and witnessing their growth. During her tenure at CUSD, she made many lifelong friends whom she “treasured dearly to the very end,” her daughter shared.

Her family noted that Disneyland held a special place in her heart — a world of magic and nostalgia shared with her sister Janet and her grandchildren. They recalled making many joyful memories together, whether riding favorite attractions or simply people watching. One longtime dream of hers was to visit the exclusive Club 33. This dream was realized thanks to a dear friend, creating a cherished memory she spoke of often.

According to family and friends, she also had a flair for celebration and creativity. She loved preparing for the “potato bar” luncheons at Chaparral Elementary, decorating with her favorite baskets and whimsical touches. Her family recalled she poured her creativity into preparing for countless baby showers, bridal showers, and retirement parties — each one adorned with handcrafted decorations that reflected her thoughtful spirit. “And if you were lucky enough to receive a gift or greeting card from Judi, you knew it instantly — her wrapping and envelopes sparkled with stickers, glitter, and joy, a burst of her personality that made even the smallest gesture feel special,” her family and close friends shared.

Her family said her cozy home was a reflection of her personality — warm, welcoming, and filled with charm — and her passion for collecting and curating beauty in everyday things was evident in every corner, from her wooden ducks and postage stamps to fine china, crystal, and of course, all things Disney. Though her space was modest, her loved ones said her heart was expansive. She was known for her open-door hospitality, especially among family. “Aunt Judi” was someone friends and relatives said you could always count on — whether you needed a place to stay for a night or for as long as needed. According to her family, her generosity created a safe haven for many, and her home overflowed with love, laughter, and the comforting sense that you truly belonged.

She was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2017. Her children recalled she bravely underwent chemotherapy and radiation, achieving nearly five years of remission, and when the cancer returned, she faced it with remarkable grit. Even after a stroke in 2023 left her using a wheelchair, she continued treatment with hope and courage, never losing her fighting spirit, her family said. Through it all, her oncologist and infusion nurses were shining stars, her family added, offering not only skilled care but also compassion, kindness, and encouragement that lifted her on the hardest days.

She is survived by her older brother Richard Lewis and his wife Terry of Bayside, California; younger brother Jeffery Lewis of Camarillo, California; brother-in-law Ernie Quier of Ridgecrest, California; children Heather Davis and husband Nathan of Claremont, Amy Mann and husband Bryan of El Cajon, California, and Lawson Roberts of San Jose, California; beloved grandchildren Mackenzie, Katie, and Landon Davis of Claremont; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janet Quier.

Judi’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and devotion — to her family, her friends, and her community. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her, her daughter said.

According to her children, a celebration of Judi’s life will be held December 13, 2025, on what would have been her 80^th birthday. For more details, email judi121345@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center at pvhmc.org/giving-support, or call the PVHMC Foundation at (909) 865-9139 for more information.