Obituary of Judy Dee Esch

A Colorado native, Judy was born in Denver, on January 19, 1940, to Robert Duvall Tammany, and Erma Dee Tammany. Judy, their only child,  was raised in Denver and graduated from South High School. Judy then attended Denver University, where she was Queen of her Job’s Daughter Bethal, and a sorority member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She went on to work in insurance after college. One day in her early 20’s, Judy went on a blind date, set up by their mutual friends. This is how she met her future husband, Martin “Marty” Edward Esch. Marty and Judy were married on October 20, 1963, Marty and Judy welcomed the birth of their daughter, Pamela Dee Rodriguez, on September 12th, 1964. They continued to raise their daughter in Denver, and later in Aurora over the years. Judy managed a gift shop, “The Americana Shop” in Aurora, where she was in her element, surrounded by crystal and china, which she loved to collect. Judy had many collections over the years, aside from her love of crystal, and china, she also collected dolls, bells, leather purses, wallets, Eeyore, James Patterson books, cookbooks, the newest cooking gadgets, and anything purple. Along with collections, Judy was very crafty and was always up for a project. She had a variety of hobbies which included: scrapbooking, oil painting, macrame, ceramics, cooking, playing bunko, and bingo. She was a lover of chocolates. She enjoyed cooking for her family and always made every holiday special. She went on to work for Lowry, and Buckley Air Force exchange (BX), where she celebrated 20 years of service and received numerous awards. Above all of this, her greatest accomplishment was her family. Judy was preceded in death by her husband Marty, who passed away on April 9, 2009, They celebrated 46 years of marriage. Judy is survived by her daughter Pam, and 3 grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as “Nana”: Bradley Clint Rodriguez, Dylan Reese Rodriguez, and Rachel Marie Williams. She was overjoyed to meet her 3 great-grandchildren Cairo Bradley Rodriguez-Benitez, Vallerina Christianna Rodriguez, and Hudson Dylan Rodriguez.  She had the pleasure of meeting her 3rd great-grandchild Hudson just one week before her passing. Judy is also survived by her dear cousin Shirley Varley, who was like a sister to her. Judy was the kindest, sweetest soul, who brought sunshine to the many lives she touched. Judy will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her. She will be laid to rest on October 10, 2022, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, family and friends will meet at Gate A at 10:40. Her funeral will then be followed by a Celebration of Life at Trails Recreation Center, from 12:00-2:00 pm, where her loved ones will be sharing their favorite memories of their beloved Mom, Nana, and friend.