Obituary of Judith Ann Huyck

Judith Ann (Perrelli) Huyck passed away after a sudden illness in the comfort of her home on June 21, 2018. She was 78 years old. Judy was born and raised in Richmond, California to John and Mary Perrrelli. The family eventually settled in Lafayette where her father John, an Italian immigrant and co-founder of Filice and Perrelli Canning Company, grew an extensive fruit and vegetable garden. Meals were prepared from his daily harvest and Judy spoke of this experience influencing her life-long love of food and gourmet preparation.

 

Judy was an entrepreneurial spirit who owned retail stores in Walnut Creek before moving to Santa Cruz in the early 1980’s. Along with her partner, Larry Wolking, she opened Chefworks on Pacific Avenue in 1996 and operated the store for 17 years until her retirement in 2013. Loyal customers and employees will remember her two Shelties that came to work with her every day. She valued the many business challenges and relationships she built during those years.

 

Judy had a passion for cars and airplanes. In her forties she earned her pilot’s license, bought a plane and enjoyed flying. Her niece and nephews remember the ‘cool’ cars she drove and her willingness to lend them out for special occasions. But, special to her heart over the past 15 years were her Shetland Sheepdogs, especially Vida, Aleigh and Splash. They were her constant companions.

 

Throughout her life Judy was an expert craftswoman whose knitting, sewing and needlepoint projects were exquisite in design and precise in detail. Her keen eye for style and design was also evident in the home and garden she loved and enjoyed in her retirement years. Friends and family will also remember Judy’s quick wit, fine mind and playful conversations.

 

She leaves her niece, Deborah Anderson (Richard), nephews, Jeffrey Filice (Barbara) Phillip Perrelli (Yvonne), Richard Perrelli (Kathy), Neil Perrelli (Joyce) and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceeded in death by her parents John and Mary Perrelli, her brother Phillip Perrelli (Catherine) of Lafayette and sister Corrinne Filice (Michael) of Aptos.

 

The family would like to thank Dominican Hospital and PAMF/VNA. Their care made it possible for Judy to be home during her last weeks. Thank you also to her Sheltie compadres, Steve, Margaret, Trudy, Hollye and devoted friends Mike and Larry who provided support and compassion during her illness.

 

At her request no services will be held.

 

Cards and condolences may be sent to Judy’s family c/o Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. You may also share a memory of Judy with family by visiting www.pacificgardenschapel.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith Huyck, please visit Tribute Store