Bradford native Judith Keane McDowell, 83, died Friday, January 31, 2020 at her home in Sherman Oaks, California. A celebration of her life will be held in Sherman Oaks in early March.

Judith was born October 8, 1936 in Wellsville, New York, daughter of the late Edward and Mable Arnold Keane. Judy graduated with the Bradford High School class of 1954, where she was a multi-sport athlete and cheerleader. She married her high school sweetheart (and fellow Bradford High ’54 graduate) the late James Burns McDowell, in 1955.  James and Judy had four children, moved to California in 1963, and were married for 59 years until James died in January of 2015 at the age of 79.

For the past two decades, Judith was a central figure in the St. Joseph’s Hospital (Burbank, California) Women’s Guild, raising funds, organizing events, and volunteering in the Hospital Gift Store. A tremendous athlete herself, Judy was an avid and knowledgeable sports fan who rarely missed a game involving her children or grandchildren (or any meaningful collegiate or professional telecast for that matter….). Her son Jack went on to become a significant Major League Baseball Player (3-time All Star and the 1993 American League Cy Young Award Winner). Judith was also an animal lover, political commentator, and accomplished horticulturalist. She made her home an open and welcoming haven for her family and friends, and for new acquaintances as well. 

Judith is survived by her daughter Jamie, sons Jim (Maureen), Jeff (Ann) and Jack (Kerrie), 7 grandchildren (Lucas, Emmett, Olivia, Molly, Rhett, Casey and Rory), her nieces Kelly (George) Walter and Jill Keane, her nephew Patrick (Shelly) Keane, and her close friend Wortie. In addition to her parents, Judith was preceded in death by her brothers Jack and Tom, and her friends Shaymus and Roo.