Judith (Judy) Esbensen Haueter, aged 88, passed away quietly in her sleep on Saturday, October 25, at her residence in Redondo Beach, where she was under hospice care. On the evening prior to her passing, she was surrounded by her loving children and several grandchildren.
Born in Denver, Colorado, on May 3, 1937, Judy was preceded in death by her older brother Phil and her younger brother Leonard. She shared a particularly close bond with Leonard throughout their lives. As children, Judy and Len enjoyed playing games like cowboys and Indians, as well as tennis and reading, a passion that continued throughout her life. Judy had a deep love for novels and retained much of what she read. Her engagement with literature included participation in two book clubs, and she started each day with a cup of coffee and the Los Angeles Times, frequently expressing her opinions on current events.
Judy attended North Denver High School before graduating with a degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Colorado in 1959. Rather than pursuing a career as a teacher or secretary, she embraced adventure and became a flight attendant for Continental Airlines. While stationed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), she met her future husband, Lowell. The couple married and welcomed three children: Pamela, Michelle “Missy,” and Chris.
In the subsequent decades, Judy dedicated herself to raising her children while working as an editor and technical writer for TRW. She actively participated in community organizations, including the Girl Scouts, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and the Neptunian Woman”s Club. Notably, she initiated the first recycling program in Manhattan Beach. Judy was an exceptional writer, taking great pride in enhancing engineers” documents at TRW, immersing herself in the process of refining clarity in text.
Although she cherished the mountains of her native Colorado and identified strongly with her roots, Judy relocated to Southern California, where she resided in Manhattan Beach for over 50 years before moving to Redondo Beach to be nearer to her son Chris and his family. In contrast to her husband, who preferred to stay closer to home, Judy had a zest for travel. She embarked on journeys solo or accompanied by her brother Len, cousin Vivian, or friends. For many years, she owned a camper van, traveling throughout California with fellow camping enthusiasts.
Judy”s love for nature and travel inspired her involvement in various environmental campaigns aimed at preservation. After the passing of her husband Lowell in 2006, Judy is survived by her three children, Pamela, Michelle “Missy” (Ted), and Chris (Melissa). She also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Cassidy, Joe, Matt, Kel, Lia, Alison, and Andy—who delighted in her unique quirks, as well as three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Judy”s life is scheduled for Sunday, November 9, at the Neptunian Women”s Club, located at 920 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to organizations that were meaningful to her, such as the American Association of University Women and Friends of Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve.
