Judy Duff, a beloved 48-year resident of the North Highline area, passed away May 1, 2006, after having lived with cancer for over two years. Judy had recently celebrated her 56th birthday in April and died peacefully at home with her husband, Dave Duff, and daughter, Deanna Duff.

Judy was raised in the North Highline area by her parents, Valenar and Norma Smith, and is survived by her mother and siblings, Valenar Smith, Jr. and Sandra Hassler. Judy graduated from Evergreen High School and remained a proud Wolverine throughout her life. She continued her education at Seattle Pacific University where she earned a B.A. in English and graduated magna cum laude.

Shortly after marrying Dave, she returned to live in the North Highline area and started farming three acres which was the original home of Duffield Farm. Judy commented that living in this area was very similar to being a successful farmer. One must plant things where they grow best and she always felt strongly rooted to her home in North Highline. In addition to selling at Pike Place Market for over 20 years, Judy helped found the White Center Farmers Market in an effort to provide fresh food to area residents. Its inaugural year was a booming success for the White Center community and another example of Judy's vision and leadership skills.

Judy also contributed to the preservation of the area's identity and growth through her involvement in the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. She was first elected in 1999 and served multiple terms as president and vice-president. Her dedication to the council and representing the best interests of area residents, was inspirational. She volunteered her time and worked tirelessly on issues as varied as annexation to arts education. Judy was particularly known for her passionate speeches and ability to keep meetings running on time. She was affectionately known for her ability to politely gavel speakers whose speeches were beyond the time limit, but offset any offense by always baking treats for the meetings.

Judy's political advocacy also extended to the Highline School District and North Highline Fire Department. She was the co-campaign manager for numerous school board campaigns and levies and served on committees which included suicide prevention and advocating for gifted education. Similarly, she was the co-chair for the North Highline Fire Department's bond campaigns and assisted with their levies and fire district commissioner races. Her support of the fire department was warmly appreciated and earned her the distinction of being one of only four civilians to ever become an honorary member of the fire department.

More than her ability to run a meeting or win a campaign, Judy's warm smile and caring for her community will be missed the most. She believed strongly in preserving the unique identity of the North Highline area. She was a friend, a neighbor and a leader whose impact will be felt for years to come.