WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Judy Caven of Williamsburg, Va., completed her earthly journey on June 25, 2025. Judy was born in Westerly, R.I., on Feb. 22, 1940. She was a graduate of Westerly High School, the University of Rhode Island and received a Master’s of Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Va.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother; and husband, Dr. Robert E. Caven.
Judy considered her life’s work to be raising, educating, helping and supporting children. She taught Kindergarten in Pennsylvania and Oregon and Nursery School in Hawaii and Maine. She was a foster mother for infants, toddlers, handicapped children and teens through private and state agencies in Maine and Virginia. She trained in Chaplaincy work and volunteered at Riverside Hospital and Eastern State Hospital in Virginia, as well as Chebeague Island Commons and the Maine Youth Center in Maine. For many years she supported children in Colombia.
Judy’s favorite activities included beaching, swimming, shelling, antiquing, reading, studying theology, tennis, travelling, opera, concerts, theatre, movies and playing Bridge. Her years living abroad in Hawaii, England, and Norway were the most treasured in her heart.
Judy is survived by her six children, Timothy Caven of Falmouth, Maine, Dean Caven of Richmond, Va., Tobias Caven of Seattle, Wash., Leilani Berchesi of Alameda, Calif., Rebecca Jo Alvarez de Caven of Mazatlan, Mexico and Jeremiah Caven of Springfield, Va. Judy is also sad to leave her four daughters-in-law, two sons- in-law; and nine grandchildren. Judy and Bob’s marriage turned into an intercultural, interfaith, tri-racial and worldly family of 23 unique individuals. She wishes for them peace, happiness and love.
Per Judy’s wishes, she will be cremated and buried both at sea in Maine and with Bob Caven at Arlington National Cemetery. She wishes you to celebrate her life as you continue to enjoy and honor the beauty of life, especially God’s children across the face of the Earth. “But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.” (James 1.25)
After showering her with flowers, shells and music, please donate your money and time to your favorite children’s charity
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