Judy Ann Faltz
July 12, 1938-July 22, 2025
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Chrissy Ulrey
Judy Diamond Faltz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. She was 87 years old.
Judy was born on July 12, 1938, to Edna and George Diamond in Rockford, Illinois. Their home was filled with loving relatives who were always there to lend a hand or share a laugh. She fondly called it a “Leave it to Beaver” home, a place where even a flooded house was met with humor and resilience.
From an early age, Judy developed a passion for literature. Her mother encouraged her to visit the Rockford Public Library alone to select books. There she spent many hours lost in the world of John Steinbeck and other literary greats. As a child, she would often read instead of playing, and as an adult, reading remained one of her greatest joys. Even as her health declined, Judy continued to find peace and happiness in her books.
Judy attended Northern Illinois University, where she earned a degree in English and a minor in French before teaching high school English. It was during her time at university that she met her future husband, Chuck Faltz, at a mixer between his fraternity and her sorority. It didn’t take long before they were inseparable. Judy’s warm, engaging personality and Chuck’s dry, quick wit made them a perfect match. Together, they embarked on many adventures, including a move to California after Chuck finished had his Ph.D. in 1968. Judy fell in love with the state’s beauty and culture, as well as the freedom and opportunities it offered.
Judy and Chuck shared 53 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and support. They were blessed with four children: Dina (Scott) Kilgo, Dan (Mike Padilla), Jenny, and Chrissy (Bob) Ulrey, as well as four adored grandchildren: Finley Kilgo, Brian Kilgo, Rachel Ulrey, and August Ulrey. Judy’s family was the center of her world, and she cherished the time spent with them, especially her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride. She often said that as long as she could spend time with her grandchildren and read, she would be content.
A lifelong learner, Judy completed her master’s degree in library science from San Jose State University in 1981 and spent over 30 years as a corporate librarian at Nielsen Engineering & Research, Inc. She embraced the rapid technological advancements of her field, finding excitement in the transition from card catalogs to computers and the internet. Judy was an early adopter of new technologies and even helped create a network of defense librarians to share resources. Her work was an integral part of her identity, and she was proud to have contributed to such a dynamic profession.
Beyond her career, Judy was deeply involved in her community. She served on the board of the Friends of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre for 11 years and played a vital role in organizing the annual block party on Evergreen Drive, which started in 1976 and continues today, bringing neighbors together in a spirit of friendship and connection.
Judy’s vibrant social circle included a close-knit group of neighbors, the Evergreen Girls, with whom she shared many happy moments and lasting friendships. She was always generous with her time and her heart, and her warm presence will be sorely missed.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Judy is survived by her sister, Sue (Mike) Wells; her brother, George; and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family members. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, her many friends, and all those who were touched by her kindness and warmth.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 10th at 2 pm at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church (2094 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040), with a reception to follow. Donations in her memory can be made to Friends of the Palo Alto Library. If you wish to send flowers or have any questions, please contact Jenny (jenfaltz@yahoo.com).
