Judith Richardson

Judith "Judy" Richardson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 4, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, compassion, and boundless curiosity that touched many lives.

Judy was born in Plainview, Texas on June 23, 1942 to Dub and Mozelle Richardson. She grew up in Oklahoma City with her siblings Jerry, Susie and Rock, where she graduated from Harding High. Her teen years were spent dancing the bunny hop and cha-cha-cha at sock hops, cheering at sporting events, and enjoying songs of the day such as “Love Me Tender" and “Rock Around the Clock," dropped individually on her 45 RCA record player. On weekends, she careened through town with friends in tow, dragging local drive-ins while perched princess-like behind the wheel of her sleek, red Ford Skyliner. Often, she would convoy to Grand Lake for a day of fun on the water, returning home blissfully sunburned.

Judy graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where she would later return to earn her Master's degree in Art History in 1985. While at OU, she met her husband of 25 years, Dave Markley, whom she married over spring break during her senior year. She spent the turbulent 60s chasing toddlers, changing diapers and serving the Junior League rather than marching in protest or howling at the moon. In her own words, she was “oblivious to the world.”

Life changed in 1989. After Judy told her mother of her impending divorce, Mozelle looked her in the eye and asked what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. She answered “move to New York City of course!” She was reckless, a romantic and a dreamer. Guilty as charged! Later in life she said, “Mom taught me to take the leap, Dad taught me to prepare for that leap, and if Jeff did it in Hong Kong I could in NYC.”

Her first Manhattan apartment came with a Murphy bed and a few cockroaches in the bathroom sink. She took temp jobs at Sotheby’s, Elizabeth Arden, and eventually landed her first full-time job as the Development Director at the Public Arts Fund. Her new girlfriends included recent college graduates introduced by her sons. She attended the theater, opera and exciting new restaurants. Life was an adventure, and she was hooked.

In 1993, Judy met Father Miguel d'Escoto after attending a lecture about his Managua-based nonprofit, FUNDECI. Less than a year later, she joined a Pastors for Peace caravan headed to Nicaragua to work with the indefatigable Father Miguel. She attempted to learn Spanish and loved exploring the markets with her newfound language skills. Through her adventures, Judy found her angels—spiritual guides who provided peace and confidence to tackle each new adventure.

While in Nicaragua, Judy saw another opportunity to help. Judy founded The Global Education Fund, which brought talented teachers from across America to work with rural educators—developing innovative science lessons using local resources to benefit both students and their communities.

Judy's wanderlust knew no bounds. She walked the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage from St. John Pied de Port over the French Alps to the Cathedral de Santiago, a physical and spiritual journey that captured her spirit. Her curiosity carried her to destinations across the globe (too numerous to list), where she forged deep connections with people from all walks of life. In her own words, she "became a seeker of humanity on a quest for knowledge of the varied people peppering the earth."

For the last 25 years, Judy made Santa Fe, NM her home, embracing the city's rich art, culture, and diverse community. There, she continued her philanthropic work through several organizations benefiting local children, women, and the arts.

Above all, Judy was a loving mother to her children; and a crazy, fun, captivating grandmother to her ten grandchildren. Her home was filled with stories, books and art collected from distant lands, and the warmth of unconditional love. She shared an insatiable curiosity and passion for adventure that will serve the next generation well.

Judy Richardson lived by example, showing that life's greatest adventures begin when we step outside our comfort zones.

She is survived by her children Jay, Jack, and Regan Markley; daughters-in-law Grace, Lari and Rebecca; and siblings Jerry, Susie, and Rock Richardson. Her son, Jeff, predeceased her in 2018. G.M., aka Jimmy, is survived and loved by ten grandchildren and a multitude of “extended grandchildren” who she deeply cared for.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Judy's name to the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Foundation, or your favorite organization supporting education and the arts, causes close to her adventurous heart.