Judith Mae Pecher

Judith “Judy” Pecher, longtime resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family. Born April 25, 1936, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Dewey and Crescentia Mosley, Judy grew up in Jeff City and attended Donnelly College, St. Mary’s School of Nursing, and Rockhurst College, all in Kansas City, Missouri. Her first job was with Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St Louis, Missouri, where she shared a home with 4 other young career women. During that time, she reacquainted with her childhood friend and love of her life Fred Pecher, whom she had first met at church. In 1963, they married and subsequently had 4 children, Cathy, Mary, Joe, and Sara after moving to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in 1967 to raise their family. They were married 57 years at the time of her death. She worked as a med-surg nurse at Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville from 1970 to 1983. In 1980 Judy's career changed with the start of Hospice of Washington County, where she volunteered her time to care for the dying. She became the Clinical Director of Patient Care of Hospice in 1983. In 1987 Hospice of Washington County was acquired by Jane Phillips Episcopal Medical Center and she accepted the role as Manager of the new Jane Phillips Hospice. Under Judy's leadership the philosophy of hospice care developed in the Bartlesville and the surrounding communities, forever changing the understanding and management of the dying process. During those years Judy taught many nurses, social workers and aides the art of comforting, compassion and empathy as well as those at end of life who were helped by her advocacy. Judy's nursing career ended with her retirement in November 1999, though her work never did. She stayed active as a consultant and gave speeches on Death and Dying and Palliative Care. She remained active as a Parish Nurse in the community, helping countless families. She leaves behind an unforgettable legacy as a healer, comforter of the sick, educator, and beloved friend, wife, and mother. Judy loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed creating a beautiful and loving home, going to her book club, and being involved in the Bartlesville Women’s Network. She is survived by her devoted husband, Fred Pecher; her 2 daughters, Cathy and Sara Pecher; her sister Catherine Weigel, and her aunt Katie Winer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her 2 infant children, Mary and Joe, and her parents, Dewey and Crescentia Mosley. Services will be determined at a later date. The family requests in lieu of flowers that a contribution be made to Mary Martha Outreach in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Judith Mae Pecher

April 25, 1936 - April 13, 2021