Judith Field Laing

January 10, 1946 - May 12, 2026

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Obituary for Judith Field Laing

Judith Field Laing, 80, passed away May 12, 2026 with her loving family by her side.

Judy was joy, lightness, and laughter to everyone who knew her, no matter what name they knew her by.

The young Jamaican children she taught in the Peace Corps called her “the Hokey-Pokey lady.” Her brother Linc affectionately called her “Piece-o’-Dirt” because one Halloween, she and a friend dressed as a vacuum cleaner and Judy played the dirt. She was “Grace” to brother Philip’s “Jim,” after their childhood neighbors had dreamy jobs at Betty Crocker and the Baker Chocolate. Friends Claudio and Vitor couldn’t resist using the very lengthy nickname “Judith-Marinara-the-Bullet” when free envelope labels inexplicably listed her thus. And when “bubby” instead of “mummy” was uttered by her congested daughter Fay, her brother Philip squished it down to “bub,” and then to “buh” which became their name for her for the next forty years. She had dozens of silly names; she embraced every one, thrilled to be the source of such silliness.

That same affection she brought to happy times she brought to hardship too. She cared enormously about those going through sickness or loss. She sent cards to people about what they meant to her. Being technologically “in the dark ages” as she said, an old-school telephone was her favorite appendage - we all had significant conversations with her, lengthy ones as she excelled at gab. Through her handwritten notes and phone calls to family and friends, she showed us how to make our love known.

Judy attended Milton Academy and Centenary College. After two years in the Peace Corps, she taught nursery school at The Village School in Milton, and she and her mother Frances (“Fra”) opened The Nutshell children’s clothing store in Milton Village, whose logo, a mouse peeking out of a nutshell, was one of Judy’s early pencil drawings.

Though she lived with MS most of her life, and lymphoma in her last six years, she never, ever complained. Once, as she lay on a gurney in an ER, the doctor asked, “How are you doing?” She, of course, replied, “I’m fine.”

Judith Field Laing was the daughter of Frances and Spencer Field of Milton and Pocasset; sibling to Lincoln Field and his partner Nancy of New York, Lisa Eustis and husband Fred of Cambridge, Polly Cummings and partner George Gugelmann of Chestnut Hill, and Philip Field of Mashpee; mother of Kate Fay Laing Chen of Allston and Philip Field Laing and wife Maggie Oldfield of Milton; and grandmother of Chandler and George Laing of Milton, and Charlotte Chen of San Francisco.

Judy spent her last Mother’s Day with her children and grandchildren, showing off the cards people had sent her and reciting lines from one of her favorite poems, “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll. She passed away two days later on May 12, 2026, at home and at peace.

Wherever she is now, she is fine.

Friends and family are invited for a casual gathering in the community hall of First Parish Milton, 535 Canton Avenue, Friday, May 22, 12 - 3 pm.

Services

22 May

Casual Gathering at the Church Hall

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM

First Parish Milton 535 Canton Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • May 29, 2026

    Skip Weinrebe

    Dear Fay and Phil, I am very sorry for your loss. Judy was truly a remarkable woman, her kindness touched everyone who knew her.

  • May 24, 2026

    Michael Bello

    Fay and Phil, I am saddened to learn of Judy's passing. I have fond memories of working with her on committees at First Parish years ago. She was always so positive and caring and fun to be with.

  • May 20, 2026

    Jannie O'Conor

    A role model for us all. She never whined, never complained and I will miss her enormously.

  • May 19, 2026

    Marty Barker Canham

    I don't think I know a braver person than Judy. Despite all odds and too much unfairness, her glass was always at least half full, never half-empty. Her empathy for the heartaches of others poured from her and became their source of strength, when they might have felt she needed all that positive energy for herself. She was an utterly remarkable human being who remained fascinated by the world's woes and lived every day with grace and appreciation. What a role model. Marty Barker Canham

  • May 18, 2026

    Melanie

    I always enjoyed chitchatting with Judy — especially on a lovely day when she was out on her deck enjoying the sunshine and the trees and the flowers. She was always a lifter of spirits. I will miss her. — Melanie

  • May 17, 2026

    Spencer Day

    Judy was most definitely a lovely person. Years ago, I spent many hours working alongside her on church issues. I knew her father and mother as well. All are missed.

  • May 17, 2026

    Lisa Coull

    Fay and Phil I'm so sorry to read this. Your mom was such a lovely woman. She had a heart of gold. Condolences to all. Lisa Earle Coull.