ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of Judiann Dobrin. 

May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023
It’s May 22nd, it’s a warm and sunny day and I’m currently watching Kellen twirl around in the kitchen while eating a saltine and the crumbs are flying everywhere.

He zooms from one thing to the next, hardly ever taking a second to relax so he definitely keeps us on our toes. But it’s so amazing watching his mind work and how quickly he learns things. He’s like a sponge. He loves being outside and swimming so it will be nice when my parent’s pool is open. His favorite book currently is an Elmo book Nicole got from the library so it looks like we’ll have to buy one when it’s time to return it. He can count to ten and I’d say he knows about 75% of the alphabet.

Our yard is so green; the peonies have popped and our rose bushes, albeit in need of a good trim, are in full bloom. Just wanted to let you know we’re thinking about you.
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Happy Mother's Day Mom. Thinking about you on your special day today :)
December 20, 2022
December 20, 2022
Happy Birthday Mom - David sent a great photo of your beaming smile while you were opening a gift of your favorite movie of all time, The Wizard of Oz. Brings back lots of fantastic memories of us watching it together at least once a year whenever it came on TV :)
May 22, 2021
May 22, 2021
Hey Mom,

It's May 22nd evening Japan time - and I've spent the weekend so far at home with the kids and Shizuno. Kai's favorite game right now is Solarquest, which is one that you bought for me when I wasn't much older than he was. He's already learned all of the planets and most of their moons - you would be so proud of him :)  And you'd be equally proud of Ema as she's turned into a beautiful ballerina, not to mention just a wonderful person both inside and out. And of course, I always make an effort to tell them stories about their wonderful grandmother and my childhood growing up. One of their favorite games is to turn me into "Kid Daddy" so they can show me all the wonderful technological developments that have occurred over the past 30 years. I always pretend to be amazed at everything, and it never gets old with them for some reason. Just one of the many ways that love using their imaginations, just like you did :)

December 19, 2020
December 19, 2020
I just wanted to stop by and say Happy Birthday. It’s really cold here today and we may go walk around Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania to see Christmas lights tonight. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been there before but I think you would’ve liked it. We need to go in spring once when everything is in full bloom. I know you are with us always and you are on our minds and in our hearts daily. Please continue to walk with us and watch over us.
May 23, 2020
May 23, 2020
Hard to believe it’s been 4 years. The older we get the faster the time goes. But it doesn’t diminish the loss of you and our friendship. ❤️❤️
May 22, 2020
May 22, 2020
Hey Mom,

We're in the middle of a beautiful spring right now, which I think you would have loved if you were still at your old house in DC with the trails in back. Here in Akashi, we have a giant park with some really nice trails as well. I try to get out there whenever I can, whether it's just going for a run or taking the kids out to throw the frisbee. They have some paddleboats as well, just like the ones we used to ride on in Sanford at San-Lee Park. 

Earlier this year, I found a good resting place for you out there - it has a beautiful lake in a wooded area with a nice gazebo overlooking the water. Just the kind of place I think you would have taken Max or Ivan for a walk. Sometimes I'll take the kids down there and we'll go looking for Grandpa's Hoot Owl (haven't had any luck yet :) )

In other news, I think Shizuno and I may become more active gardeners - we're looking at clearing some space in the backyard, so hopefully I'll be able to remember some little tidbits of knowledge that you passed along to me on and off over the years. Not promising anything yet, but we'll see how it goes :)

Love,
Michael



May 22, 2020
May 22, 2020
Mom,

4 long years without you...I’ve done a lot of growing up these past years and who else have I turned into but YOU! You never would have thought I would say the words-and neither would I. But it’s true, almost all of your good qualities (and stubbornness) I can now see in myself. I wish you were here to see it. I have actually started amateur bird watching!!! I know you’re with me every day, I just wish I could hear your voice again. And just have that endless love poured out toward me that only you could do. Loving and missing you always.

Nicole
May 22, 2020
May 22, 2020
Hey Judy - I have been going through old pictures lately and found several photos of you in your bedroom in your house in Fairlawn (my back yard best buddy). All your swimming ribbons were hanging on the bulletin board behind you. We had such good times together between your house and mine. We missed each other so much when you moved away. I came to visit you in Fayetteville and we continued to stay in touch for many years. But unfortunately we eventually lost track of each other. That doesn’t mean I ever stopped thinking of you. You and your family were very near and dear to me. I can read the love that your children have for you in their beautiful posts on this site. May those beautiful sentiments and memories live on forever. ❤️ Paula
May 22, 2020
May 22, 2020
Judy, Every once in awhile something will come up and it reminds me of all the good times we had growing up. The summers we would spend together when I would stay at grams, the swimming club, and just hanging out together. I still can’t believe you are gone. Cousins forever. Dave
May 30, 2019
May 30, 2019
Hey Mom,
It's spring of 2019, about three years since you passed. Time seems to fly, yet so much has happened in the space between. Shizuno and I have basically finished renovating our house, although there is still a lot of decorating left to do. I've got three of your paintings (and two of Grandma's) that I now have enough space to hang somewhere. One, in fact, already has a spot right by the front door. It is a really simple picture of a bird flying over the ocean with a gigantic orange-red sun in the upper-right corner of the canvas. If my memory is correct, you told me this was one of the first paintings that you ever did. I always liked the simplicity of it, and I thought it'd be nice to greet our guests when they walk through the door. In fact, Shizuno's Mom commented on it when she came by today, and was surprised when I told her that it was yours.
There are a few other family items throughout the house - Grandpa's Akron U football statue that Aunt Becky gave me, the blanket that you knitted and your Great Pyr coffee cup which I use for breakfast sometimes. And of course, there are lots of Christmas decorations which will come out later this year. I don't think I'll ever be a decorator like you, but I promise we'll make the house into something that would make you happy :)
May 29, 2019
May 29, 2019
Missing you and wishing you were still here and in my life ❤️
May 23, 2019
May 23, 2019
Such a perfect name for this memorial site as I read some of the posts from family and friends. It is sad that Judy was taken too soon to enjoy so many of the little pleasures in life that so many of us take for granted. I often think back to my junior high days and the countless hours Judy and I spent together as back door neighbors and best friends. It broke my heart when she moved away - as her passing has broken the hearts of her beloved family and friends who continue to feel the pain. Continue to keep her memory alive, she was indeed a very special person. ❤️
May 22, 2019
May 22, 2019
So much has happened since you’ve been gone mom. I wish you were here to tell you about it all. I know you would be all ears and a million questions would follow. It’s hard to think about what life could have been like with you still here. I miss you every day and that will never change. I love you.
June 2, 2018
June 2, 2018
Judy and I were roommates for a while in college. I tried for several years to catch up with her, but to no avail. So sorry to hear of her passing. It was shocking, as we sometimes feel indestructible. I have many pleasant memory's of us as 18 year olds exploring the world. My sincere condolences to her children. Terry Boyd Lancaster
December 19, 2017
December 19, 2017
Happy birthday mom. Wish I was celebrating with you and watching you blow out your candles. Love and miss you always.
December 19, 2017
December 19, 2017
Happy Birthday Mom. Thinking of you on your special day.
May 23, 2017
May 23, 2017
Judiann you are living on each day in your beautiful children and grandchildren and so many people whose lives you touched. You touched mine and I miss you my friend. I have many memories with you that are treasures, but one of the treasures we shared was us both having granddaughters born the same year, same month. You celebrating your dear Ema and me my dear Madeline. Oh how fun it was to share their "firsts". And then came beautiful Kai. How happy you were and how proudly you told me, "I think he looks like Michael." You might not be able to share their lives with them on earth, but you are surely watching them every minute from heaven, that I have no doubt. I know they feel your presence and you remain in all of our hearts and lives.
May 22, 2017
May 22, 2017
So much has happened this past year but I know you were watching over us during all of it. I see your influence in Nicole so often, especially in her love of nature. Nicole and I found a new park up the street that I think you would've liked. And when we were in Japan there was some moss on a tree that would've made it in into your specimen collection. I want you to know that I love your daughter so much and I will always take care of her. Rest In peace.
May 22, 2017
May 22, 2017
Forgot to tell you how beautiful and happy Nicole looked on her wedding day .. the grandkids were precious and Michael has much to be proud of.
May 22, 2017
May 22, 2017
Think of you and Michael and Nicole often. FB keeps me up with their milestones and through them I feel connected to you . Still missing you.
May 22, 2017
May 22, 2017
You're in my thoughts today Mom. I wish you could be here to see what's changed in the past year - there are so many things: Nicole getting married, a walking and talking grandson, a granddaughter who now asks questions in the same way I once did to you. Even this past year's news and the new books that are out. I wish I could still share all of this with you.

Love,
Michael
May 22, 2017
May 22, 2017
Mom,

One whole year has passed. I just can't believe how quick it went, and how much happened that you have missed. I think of you every day, something I did before you died as well, but now my thoughts are different. I know you're happy and peaceful now, and that gives me peace as well. I miss you terribly and often think about our times when we were younger and all of us together. This past year I've really come to realize how much your love for nature has influenced my life and enjoy spending time outside more than ever now. Thank you for all that you shared and taught me mom, it is your living legacy that I hopefully can pass to my own children. And if not, then to my loved ones around me. Loving you always, tootsie.
February 16, 2017
February 16, 2017
While bored in Japan (Nagasaki Pref., probably too far from Tokyo to meet Michael in the few days I have left here) there is plenty of time to get lost in facebook. I stumbled upon Nicole's page via a picture one of our mutual friends posted from high school. Little did I know of the effect the top post, a link to this page, would have on me.

I only met Mrs. Dobrin once, but she was someone whom I'd never forgot. Nicole and I were in the band together in the 8th grade when Mrs. Dobrin chaperoned a trip. I had always been the oddball, more comfortable in a daydream than in a conversation, and per the usual, I found myself sitting alone as the bus loaded. Mrs. Dobrin boarded near the end and continued past the first few rows usually reserved by some unwritten rule for the adults. When she reached me and my empty seat, she stopped and asked if she could sit there. What transpired next, simply a conversation, would impact me to this day.

I cannot tell you the details of the conversation, only the way she made me feel while having it. This woman, whom I'd never met, was talking with me to learn about me. Not to carry on an idle conversation, not to pass the time on a boring bus ride, but to know who I was as a person deep down. She gave me her undivided attention. I remember thinking that no one before had talked with me in such a way that I was comfortable divulging my thoughts and opinions; I assumed no one cared. My experience told me one thing, and this stranger was showing me another. For one of the first times in my life, I felt important. She didn't have to sit with me. She didn't have to talk me. But she did.

Later in high school, still the oddball, every so often Nicole would mention that her mother asked her how I was doing. Nicole never had to mention anything to me, but she did anyway. She didn't have to take my responses back, but I have no doubt it was brought up at that night's dinner table. Mrs. Dobrin was rubbing off on her daughter.

You may wonder why a person who'd only met Mrs. Dobrin once could assume they could post something here. I recall that conversation every so often even now. To be a better man, I attempt to emulate certain traits in very specific people. Fortitude, my grandmother, Charlotte. Selflessness, my grandfather, Rufus...

Kindness, Mrs. Dobrin.

The brief impact that she had on a thirteen year old boy was lasting. I believe it a testament to the woman she was. I will not forget her.
December 18, 2016
December 18, 2016
Mom,

It's the morning of Dec 19th here in Tokyo and today is your birthday. We're all geared up and ready to fly in for a Christmas visit in a few hours. This is our first birthday and Christmas without you, and it'll be a hard one in many ways, but don't worry... Nicole and I have already been discussing which of your many Christmas traditions we're going to keep alive. We've definitely decided on continuing your charger plate tradition (as much as we complained, I think this was secretly our favorite one that you came up with).

Ema still remembers a lot of things about visiting for Christmas. She talks about the big tree in your old place, the small tree in your new place. We were talking about cars the other day and she mentioned how your van was blue. She remembers the cranberries and yogurt that you always gave her for breakfast. We showed her a picture we took in 2012, which was her first Christmas visiting, where we let her halfway ride Ivan for a Never Ending Story photo shoot, and she talks about it like it's a real part of her memory (who knows - maybe it is). She even asks me questions about Max, who she never even had the chance to meet. So as you can see, your presence is always felt and is an important part of our lives.

Kai never had the chance to meet you, so I plan on teaching him all about his wonderful Grandma through stories. I see a lot of you in myself in the way that I'm choosing to raise him (and Ema) - appreciating the little things in life, having a love for learning, respecting others - so many things Mom. And so, all the lessons and wisdom that you taught me over the years will pass along to your grandchildren.

I love you Mom and Happy Birthday :)
November 24, 2016
November 24, 2016
Happy thanksgiving mom, I wish you were here. Even if you make balsamic cocktail onions instead of something good...I love you.
June 14, 2016
June 14, 2016
Mom,
Today is my birthday and it's just not the same without you calling me and singing me happy birthday, or without one of your homemade cards and whatever gift you thought I would like that year. I found your list of planned gifts for us all this year, and never knew you were that organized! I don't know why you wanted me to have toothpaste, but you must have known my tooth has been hurting me. I didn't take gammas carrot recipe from the house because I already knew it, but I remember talking about it with you in the phone recently. It's been 4 weeks since I've talked to you last and I can still imagine your voice on that last conversation. I don't know if I will ever forget how it sounds, and I wrote down everything we talked about that day so I won't ever forget it. I love you mom, and If I could have made a wish last year on my birthday it would have been that you would still be here for this birthday.
June 7, 2016
June 7, 2016
Judiann always downplayed her own abilities to make someone else feel good. The thing is, she was amazing. She was talented, thoughtful, loving, and so brave. Judiann was an inspiration to those of us who had the privilege of getting to know her. I was blessed to have Judiann as my friend. I will miss you dear friend, and I thank God for all we shared. Rest in peace my friend.
June 4, 2016
June 4, 2016
I want to share how grateful I feel to have known Judiann. She and I became BFF's after meeting 6 + years ago. We spent lots of time talking on Skype and emailing until Judiann updated her phone yea!! Lol. then we moved on to phone calls and texting. Yard sales lunches thrift stores children then grandkids filled our lives. And of course Ivan.  . She had a passion for cooking gardening art collecting treasures that had significance to her and most importantly Michael and Nicole.. I was blessed that our paths crossed and I met someone so special.
June 2, 2016
June 2, 2016
Judy and I were inseparable during the years that she lived on Shelly Lynn Drive in Fairlawn. Judy was an avid swimmer at the time and spent countless hours at practice and swim meets. I remember always admiring the number of 1st place ribbons that hung on the bulletin board in her room. I was devastated when she moved away. We kept in touch for many years, but sadly lost track of each other as the years went by. It is very comforting to read posts from others who knew and loved her. She was no doubt an amazing woman and will be missed by so many friends and family. Rest in peace Judy.
June 2, 2016
June 2, 2016
Ms. Dobrin was so inquisitive. Nicole told me before I first met her to be prepared to answer a lot of questions. I could tell right away how much she honestly cared about my answers, too. It wasn't just idle chit-chat. I really think she loved learning everything she possibly could.
She was so artistic. I only saw a handful of her paintings but all were beautiful. They were made with a free and whimsical spirit. And that's how I saw her.
She loved the outdoors very much and I enjoyed when we would all go on walks together. I think back to one in particular when she was walking side by side with her granddaughter, Ema. That's the image I'll picture in my head when I think about her. 
She also raised two great kids. Both are genuine and caring, just like their mother was. I'm so glad I got the chance to meet Ms. Dobrin.
June 1, 2016
June 1, 2016
Nicole and Michael I was shocked when I heard about the passing of you mom. I started to reminisce all the fun times we would have together at Grams house when I would visit for the summer. Judy will always have a place in my heart.
June 1, 2016
June 1, 2016
Lord Jesus, our Redeemer,
You willingly gave Yourself up to death
so that all people might be saved
and pass from death into a new life.
Listen to our prayers;
look with love on Your people
who mourn and pray for their dead sister, Judiann
Lord Jesus,
You alone are holy and compassionate;
forgive our sister her sins.

By dying You opened the gates of life
for those who believe in You;
do not let Your sister, Judiann, be parted from You,
but by Your glorious power
give her light, joy, and peace in heaven
where You live for ever and ever.

Amen.


With loving memories,

Your sister, Becky Jean, who loves you and misses you immensely.
May 30, 2016
May 30, 2016
Judy had the biggest brightest eyes. Through them, I learned a great deal. While growing up, I looked up to my beautiful cousin and absorbed all she had observed with those gorgeous eyes and would relate to me. She was different and I even tried to copy writing with my left hand as she did. She was a blond back then, thanks to lemon juice and sun. I thought it was her natural hair until she came to visit after years of not seeing her and she was a brunette. It was then I learned her secret. I watched as she ironed her long blond hair with an ironing board. We got into trouble together when the phone company sent out a man and didn't tell our uncle but decided to talk with and help the man ourselves. SMH I thank you for the encouragement you gave me in more recent years; maybe I'll make good on it someday. I'll remember our times swimming [who could forget you racing one of our fastest guys and beating him], playing games like 'Head of the Class', and always being your patient to your nursing skills. But I will always cherish the satin pillow you made for me that held the key to your heart and surprised me with the day I came to visit you in Virginia. I love you Judiann. I hope you are happy where you are.
May 29, 2016
May 29, 2016
Judiann Dobrin, 62, died Sunday, May 22, 2016 at her home in Ashburn, Virginia.

First and foremost a caring mother, Ms. Dobrin selflessly committed herself to raising her son and daughter. Some of those years were spent as a single mother, where she tirelessly balanced duties of both home and work in support of her children. Even after they reached adulthood, her children continued to be the center of her life and she always enjoyed spending time with them and experimenting with her latest recipes. In her later years, Ms. Dobrin became a grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her young granddaughter, where they enjoyed reading, painting, drawing, exploring and laughing together.

Outside the home, Ms. Dobrin worked for several years as a teacher in both elementary and middle schools, in addition to working as a private tutor. Curious and a child at heart, she related to children by second nature. Ms. Dobrin was a painter and collage artist, and many of her lessons incorporated themes based on these to inspire and teach. Undaunted by a challenge, she taught herself basic physical science when no other qualified teacher was available and stepped in as an 8th grade science teacher. Even though she caught the ceiling on fire once in an experiment gone wrong, she persisted through and finished out the year.

Ms. Dobrin was an animal-lover and owned several dogs throughout her years. Dogs were no different than humans to her and she possessed an ability unlike others to communicate and form inseparable bonds with her pets. She loved them as she would her own children and many resided with her until old age.

Ms. Dobrin is survived by a daughter, Nicole Marie Dobrin, who resides in Sewell, NJ, a son, Michael Lee Dobrin, who resides in Tokyo, Japan, two grandchildren, Ema Shino Dobrin and Kai Emil Dobrin of Tokyo, Japan, and one sister, Becky Dobrin Gilbert of Fayetteville, NC.

A private ceremony will be held by Ms. Dobrin's immediate family near her home in Ashburn, Virginia.

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May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023
It’s May 22nd, it’s a warm and sunny day and I’m currently watching Kellen twirl around in the kitchen while eating a saltine and the crumbs are flying everywhere.

He zooms from one thing to the next, hardly ever taking a second to relax so he definitely keeps us on our toes. But it’s so amazing watching his mind work and how quickly he learns things. He’s like a sponge. He loves being outside and swimming so it will be nice when my parent’s pool is open. His favorite book currently is an Elmo book Nicole got from the library so it looks like we’ll have to buy one when it’s time to return it. He can count to ten and I’d say he knows about 75% of the alphabet.

Our yard is so green; the peonies have popped and our rose bushes, albeit in need of a good trim, are in full bloom. Just wanted to let you know we’re thinking about you.
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Happy Mother's Day Mom. Thinking about you on your special day today :)
December 20, 2022
December 20, 2022
Happy Birthday Mom - David sent a great photo of your beaming smile while you were opening a gift of your favorite movie of all time, The Wizard of Oz. Brings back lots of fantastic memories of us watching it together at least once a year whenever it came on TV :)
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