In Memoriam:
Judy Alcock, 1932–2020

By Lars Bjorn

Judy Alcock was one of SEMJA’s founding members in the spring of 1987. The core group of 21 had been gathered together by Ron Brooks at his recently opened Bird of Paradise jazz club on Ashley Street in downtown Ann Arbor. This group elected a board of directors of twelve individuals including Judy. Judy served as program chair in the 1990s and together with her husband Gerald (who passed away in 2006) was a financial supporter of the organization. She is most fondly remembered by other board members as one of the “Jazz Angels” (a term attributed to pianist Bill Heid who frequently appeared at the Bird) who served selflessly for the organization in multiple capacities for many years. She did it all with aplomb, grace and kindness and made everyone feel welcome. Judy is sorely missed by all who knew her.

Judy was born in Hillsdale, Michigan and lived with her husband in Chicago before moving to Ann Arbor. She passed away in Ann Arbor on July 23. A memorial service will be held for Judy at a later date once the pandemic is contained. The Alcock family graciously welcomes donations to SEMJA in Judy’s name.

TOP: When Ken Burns came back to Ann Arbor in 2001 to talk about his jazz series on public TV, Judy Alcock was there with (from left) Nancy Davis, Burns, and Lars Bjorn.