Last Hope Stories Of Hope

Judy Van Meter, Friend of Last Hope and Pets from Paradise

US St. Croix Virgin Islands and Minneapolis, MN:

We bid a fond farewell to Judith Kay Van Meter assistant founder of the Pets From Paradise dog rescue which to date has saved the lives of over 700 island puppies. Judith was diagnosed with cancer in 1996. In true Judy fashion, she outlived the doctor's prediction by 10 years... Her passion for animals and their welfare led her to assist in establishing Pets From Paradise. She was personally responsible for bringing 65 dogs to Minnesota. Judy passed August 21st and she will be deeply missed and celebrated by her friends at Last Hope who worked hand in hand with her in rescuing these wonderful and unique island puppies. At her memorial, each table bore a simple statement:

Life's journey is not to arrive at the gate safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting......Holy Hallelujah...What a ride!

Judith Kay Van Meter was born April 13, 1941 in Fergus Falls Minnesota. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1959 and then moved to Minneapolis to attend Brown College. She worked for Prudential Insurance Company until moving to Fargo, ND where she worked for Northwestern Bell Engineering Department. In 1966 they moved to the Twin Cities, and Judy went to work for Univac in Eagan. In 1970 she began working for Minnesota Title Company in the production department, the moved to marketing. In 1970, Judy and her husband Kent moved to Milwaukee, where Judy was the Director of Operations for Minnesota Title. In 1981, they returned to the Twin Cities. Judy began working with Ralph Burnett to form First Security Title Company (now Burnett Title). Under Judy's direction the company grew to over 300 employees where she knew each employee and their family members by name.

Judy was an incredibly loving and generous mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was passionate about life and live it to the fullest. She took delight in the smallest of life's pleasures and shared her enthusiasm with all of us. One of her great passions was riding her motorcycle: she began riding in 1966. She rode trails with her children and grandchildren for almost 40 years. She raced Enduros with Kent in the 60's and 70's and they traveled extensively throughout North America and New Zealand on their Harleys. Judy also loved to fly. She and Kent enjoyed evening flights over the farm fields and lakes of southern Minnesota.

In 1966, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In true Judy fashion, this was unacceptable. She outlived the doctor's predictions by 10 years because of her love for life, her love for her husband and her strong will.

One of her greatest loves was the Virgin Islands where in 1987 she and Kent built their retirement home. For many years, Judy and Kent have been splitting their time between their home at Sky Harbor Air Park near Webster and their home in the Virgin Islands. She enjoyed sharing her island home, the beaches and her gardens with friends and family.

Her passion for animals and their welfare led to her assistance in establishing Pets from Paradise in St. Croix, which to date has rescued over 700 dogs - Judy being personally responsible for bringing 65 dogs to Minnesota. Judy also had a passion for quilting, which she started after her cancer diagnosis. She created many non-traditional quilts for her family and friends.

Judy passed away on Monday afternoon, August 21, 2006 among family in the Northfield Hospital. A celebration of Judy's life was held on Sunday August 27 at Judy's request attire was island colors - no black except Harley black. Memorials are preferred to: Last Hope, Inc. PO Box 114, Farmington, MN 55024. Judy's family will continue to assist with the transport of island puppies & dogs to the US.

Judy, Thank you for your love, strength and compassion. A life well lived, my friend.