Judith Lynne (Blindheim) Radka, born on August 11th, 1955, in Hoquiam, Washington, passed away Sunday, February 5th, 2023, at the age of 67. She was the daughter of two loving parents, Arnold and Lois Blindheim, and sister to Fred and Rick Blindheim.

She graduated in the first class from the new Hoquiam High School in 1973. Judy loved hanging out at the Harborera skate rink and performed in synchronized swimming as one of the Aqunaughts in high school.

At 16, she took a one-of-a-kind trip to Sykkylven, Norway, where she met her extended relatives, learned the language, and explored the culture. She met her future husband, John Radka, at 18, and the two were married a year later at the Hoquiam Our Lady of Good Help Church. Judy graduated with an associate of arts degree from Grays Harbor Community College in 1975. John and Judy then lived together in Olympia, where Judy worked as a supervisor at the State Capital in Labor and Industry.

Like many kids growing up in Grays Harbor, Judy always dreamed of living by the beach in southern California. At 21, she decided to take the leap and follow that dream by moving to a converted garage in Costa Mesa, CA. Two months later, her husband and their cat, Fluffy, followed, and they moved to a condo in Fountain Valley and later bought a house in Westminster, CA, where they would eventually start their family. Judy built a fulfilling career in accounting in Aerospace. John and Judy spent their twenties and early thirties working, sailing, golfing, going to the beach living the southern California life she wanted. At 35, when her two children were 3 and 1, she decided to focus on family after the Aerospace company she worked with was sold to Boeing and headquarters moved to Texas.

Judy was a devoted wife and mother. She provided her family with a loving home and ensured they always had memorable experiences. Friday nights were filled with board games, Sundays involved family golf outings, and the summer holidays would be filled with visiting relatives and camping at their traditional family spot at Graves Creek campground in Olympic National Park. Judy was known for her elaborate holiday gifts, Swedish pancakes, and involvement with her kids’ sports teams, scouts, and the PTA.

Judy was an avid reader and could often be found reading outside in a lounge chair or waiting in the car for her kids to finish soccer practice. She had a sharp mind and was frequently asked to edit papers and copyright. Later in life, she developed a love for sudoku and Wordle.

Judy faced a challenging health situation in November 2018 when she was put on a ventilator. Despite the odds, she fought hard and left the hospital after doctors discovered she had rare cancer. Judy went on to pursue her final dream of living on her land in Washington with her husband and building a house along the Wynoochee River that could be in the family for generations. Sadly, on Sunday, February 5th, 2023, she passed away from heart and lung complications.

Judy will always be remembered for her kind heart, love for learning, and selfless spirit. She is survived by her husband, John, and her children, Corie Radka and Tyler Radka. In her honor, a Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family on March 11th, 2023, at the Legacy Pavilion Lake Sylvia State Park at 2:00 pm. May she rest in love.