Judy A. Riedinger

February 4, 1937 - September 7, 2016

Judy Perry Riedinger recently passed away. She was born at 28 W J Street to Anna and Johnny Perry. She was a lifelong resident of Benicia, graduating from BHS in 1955. Judy was primarily a homemaker, but worked sporadically for many years retiring from the Solano County Courts Traffic Division. In Judy’s early years she was involved with the Rainbow Girls, took piano lessons, dance lessons, participated in BHS athletics lettering in her sophomore year, and was a yell leader. After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart and raised a family. Judy was a very passionate person with many, many interests. Among those interests were going to the movies, going to live theater, being a member of BOTTG for many years; creative cooking, as she was the first food columnist of the Benicia Herald; traveling, alone for the first time to Greece, then Hong Kong and Singapore, among other places. Judy was instrumental in planning reunions for BHS Fabulous Five of the Fifties. She also truly enjoyed and was very active in sewing which grew into quilting and belonging to the Carquinez Strait Stitchers, having tea with her friends the Tea Bags, and crafting of all kinds and was the creator of the novelty “Cheap Ass Wine.” Judy went to clown school and became Tootie Frootie who entertained at Great America, among other venues. One of her favorite things was hosting Judy’s Annual Cookie Swap for 30+ years. Judy was very proud of her Portuguese heritage and never missed a Holy Ghost celebration. And her best quality was her fabulous sense of humor. She found humor in just about every situation. Judy is survived by her son Kirk; daughter Kristy (Jim) Paggi; brother Jimmy Perry; sister Kathy (Dennis) Adams; nephew Tony (Christina) Adams and their children Carter and Sydney; niece Amber (Bruce) Adams-Brandt and their children Sarah and Mia; dear friends Toni Hassard, Louise Lambro & Barbara Lincoln; her beloved cats Floozy and Violet. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Maxine Moore for her kind and loving support through these last few months. At her request, no services will be held. Family prefers donations to the BDES Society or Friends of the Animals.