December 28, 1943 ~ September 23, 2026 (age 82)
On December 28, 1943, Judith Emily Durkee was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Years later, Both La Crosse and Auburn were listed in U.S. News and World Report as top 10 cities in which to live; they were listed as such in the same issue. As Judy liked to laughingly say: “I have lived at the best places at both ends of my life.”
Judy was the middle of three children. Her parents, John and Helen Durkee, provided a loving home and their Catholic faith was central to their schooling, their spirituality, and way of life. Judy’s family was also nurtured and surrounded by their numerous La Crosse kin. The Five Skemp families on their mother’s side provided the Durkee children with 41 first cousins, who were an important part of Judy’s life, especially in her growing-up years.
Judy graduated from St. Aquinas High School in 1962. She next enrolled where her mother had graduated 31 years earlier – St. Francis School of Nursing. Judy comes from a long line of medical professionals, including her father who was a pharmacist, her three uncles who were physicians, and her mother who was a nurse. Judy proudly, and most honorably, carried on this family tradition of medicine by becoming a registered nurse.
Judy’s specialty was that of an Intensive Care Nurse. Over her career, she managed over 200 ICU RNs in two major hospitals, one at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon, and the other at East Alabama Hospital in Auburn, Alabama. Her care was above and beyond in both states. She provides the highest quality of nursing care to our ICU patients…” “ You are the very best manager I have ever worked for.” “Judy, you have left memories of you in many people. Your influences will be realized for years to come.” These proclamations are just a few words are just a few, of her outstanding care and service of over 50 years.
In 1965, Judy began her career at the University of Wisconsin hospital in Madison. It was there that she met Philip, who was undergoing his doctoral studies. The two married three years later in the Northwest, where Phil took his first job at the University of Oregon. She had fun telling others that the Beatles “Hey Jude” was first released just four months before their wedlock. Eugene was the cornerstone for building a family because it was there that she gave birth to her three children – Michael (‘69), Timothy (‘71), and Lisa (‘75). She now was a nurse, a wife, and a very proud and loving mother of her three beautiful children. And, of course, a friend to all.
In 1989, Judy and Phil moved to Auburn, Alabama, where they began the next chapter of advancing their careers and lives. Over the next 30 years, 8 grandchildren and 6 great grands were born. Judy made it known that “All of my grands are Great!” Likewise, all of them thought of their grandmother (La La) as great. They were a part of her, and she was a part of them.
When Judy and Phil married, she quickly became an endeared part of the Browning brothers and was in highest regard to her in-laws. Phil’s mother would often say “I have five boys – four sons and a husband-and now a beloved daughter.” Judy was always a treasured part of her in-laws and they of her.
In addition to Judy’s most beloved family, she delighted in engaging with many social groups, one of which was with her seven high school girl friends. They all returned for a reunion years after their 1962 graduation; they had now become wives, mothers and professionals in their various occupations. During the gathering, they drafted a plan for their future. Over the next 20 years, they met every other year where ten states welcomed this childhood comradery known as the “ Ya Ya’s” named after the novel – Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. Over the When traveling became more difficult, they continued to meet and savor this lifetime of friendship through monthly Zooms. Judy like to say “Friendship never ends.”
Judy was a butterfly who embraced many colorful endeavors. To name a few: Bridge with friends, football with Phil, coffee with colleagues, and theater, arts and cultural performances of all varieties. Judy read for pleasure during her alone time; she would laughingly say that books were her ‘quiet’ friends. Sunday Mass was a love that she seldom missed. She met at St. Michael’s with her dear friends, who named their weekly devotional group Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Judy’s love of family, friends, and work was enhanced by her spiritual devotion.
Travel was one of Judys favorite activities. A memorable trip was Phil’s sabbatical, in which the family spent three months motoring much of the country while recording over 7,000 miles in their Volvo wagon. The family’s “House on Wheels” was an unforgettable venture. Judy’s other travels are captured in their publication Our Travels Through the Years. As you turn the pages, you can imagine Judy and family cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, coasting down California’s Highway 101, sightseeing the New England States, overlooking the Canyons out west, spending a Christmas in Switzerland, vacationing in England’s Cotswold, or seeing Pope Francis while touring the Vatican. Their next trip was always in the making.
Judy was in her 70s when noticeable changes began. Despite the subtle and gradual changes that set in, she remained active in walking, singing, dancing, and laughing. Even though her faculties continued to drift, her radiant smile always stood steadfast, her smiles always remained present. Judy always insisted “laughter is the best medicine.”
Judy’s years were filled with immense happiness and love for her family, friends, service, and church. Surrounding this composite of priceless ingredients was her smile, and halo of gladness and joy for the good things in life.
Judith Emily Browning departed quietly and peacefully on the eve of September 23, 2026. She was predeceased in death by her mother and father. She is survived by husband Philip, her three children Michael, Timothy, and Lisa, her stepson Craig, her 10-grandchildren and 6-great grands, and her brother Jack and Sister Mary.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michaels Church in Auburn (1100 S. College) on Saturday the 17th of October. Visitation will be from 10:30–11:30 that morning, followed by the Service to begin at12:00 noon. Afterward, family members will go to Town Creek Cemetery for Judy’s Interment.
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