1942- Feb 8, 2021

Longtime Claremont Resident Judith Ann (Judy) Carrington, (nee Burger), 79, died peacefully, with her family by her side, on February 8 at Claremont Manor.

Judy moved to California from Kalamazoo, Michigan during her senior year of high school. She was a member of the Claremont High class of 1959, the last to graduate from the Old Schoolhouse location, which would later become Griswold’s.

She attended classes at the University of Redlands before transferring to Yankton College in South Dakota, where she went on to meet and marry her husband Douglas. The couple moved back to Claremont in 1965, when Doug accepted a position as minister of music at Claremont Presbyterian Church. They bought a house in the still unincorporated area of Piedmont Mesa and three years later started a family, when their only son Scott was born.

She was always interested in the medical profession, and spent many years working in doctors’ offices and medical practices throughout the valley. She was the office manager for Diamond Bar Medical Group, a medical biller for Inland Urology for 17 years, and ended her career working with her close friend before retiring in 2015.

Passionate about travel, the Carringtons made it their goal to see as much of the world as they could. From castles in Scotland to deer farms in New Zealand, the couple was always up for an adventure, and couldn’t wait to get back to the States and share their experiences with friends and family. During these travels, the duo discovered the varied tastes and cultures of other countries. They decided the best way to share their experiences was to cook for others each year at Christmas time. The couple would hold large parties for 30 or more guests, and have wine pairings with four- or five-course meals that epitomized the region they had visited that year. She said it was easier than buying gifts for everyone, and gave people a break during the busy holiday season. It was something everyone looked forward to, and instilled a love of cooking into her heart.

Friends were also a large part of her life. From people in the church, to acquaintances at work, she valued the people around her as her lifeblood and community until her dying days. She held on to relationships for decades, and was active with alumni luncheons for the CHS class of ’57, and acted as a deacon at Claremont Presbyterian Church. She was still in contact with people she had known in elementary school back in Kalamazoo, and loved getting caught up over the phone or with the occasional letter at Christmas time or whenever the need arose.“Known for her quick wit and sharp one liners, Judy’s sense of humor will be missed by everyone that knew her,” her family shared. “Her positive outlook and great attitude was a quality we should all strive to attain.”

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years Douglas; son Scott and wife Laura; and granddaughters Sara, Katie, Brooke and Taylor.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 19 at Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in her honor to the church at https://www.claremontpres.org/giving-2.