Judith A. (Iott) Sanborn

Judith Ann (Iott) Sanborn, 82, of Standish, Maine, passed on January 27th at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. Judy, as she was known by most, was surrounded by the loving arms of her family as she shed her earthly bonds. Judy was born on May 29, 1937, in Portland, Maine, the daughter of Louis John and Kathleen (Huvey) Iott.

Judy graduated from Deering High School in 1955. She went on to study Nursing at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1958. She began her nursing career at Mercy Hospital and later became a nursing instructor at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. Eventually, Judy moved on to work at Maine Medical Center where she worked as a Pediatric Nurse for 39 years. She officially retired from Maine Medical Center in 2006 but continued to work part-time until 2011. Judy was honored with several awards while employed at MMC. She loved working with the Pediatric Residents and was honored with The Pediatric Interns Nurse as Teacher Awards on several occasions. Judy was particularly proud of the work she performed in the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Maine Medical Center. Her commitment and dedication to her patients and fellow employees were limitless. Her family feels incredible pride whenever they are at Maine Medical Center and see Judy’s photographs included on the quilt hanging near the Richard’s Wing elevators on the ground floor.

During high school, Judy was a cheerleader for Deering High School and often stood on opposing sidelines from Cheverus High School, where her future husband, Stanley, played multiple sports. During one particular football game, Stanley remembers tackling a Deering player and they both bowled into the Deering cheerleaders, sending them sprawling, including Judy. It wasn’t until later after Judy had begun her career as a registered nurse, that it was her turn to bowl Stanley over when they met on a blind date. They fell almost instantly in love and were married on October 3, 1959. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last October.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Louis J. and Kathleen H. Iott, her sister, Ruth Ann Iott, and brother, Louis J. Iott, his wife, Mona Winchenbach Iott, and son-in-law, Bruce Avery. She is survived by her husband, Stanley and their four children; Daughter, Eileen Avery, and her 3 children Patrick, Nicole & Samantha; Son, Michael Sanborn, his wife, Joann, and his 4 children, Sarah, Melissa, Kaitlin & Abbie; Son, David Sanborn, his wife, Renee, and their 3 children, Ethan, Rachel & Ellie; Son, Eric Sanborn, his wife, Holly, and their 3 children, Emily, Haley, and Erin; her brother, David M. Iott, who lives in Philadelphia, PA; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Judy was an incredibly loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt to her entire family and extended families. Her patience, positivity, gentleness, and immense love for her family was unconditional. It didn’t matter who was at her door, they would be welcomed with a giant hug and, most likely, an amazing meal. Judy loved to read and was rarely seen without a book nearby. She was also a gifted painter and artisan who loved the outdoors, traveling, and looked forward to each summer, where she could be found gardening in her backyard or picking blueberries at her favorite spots. Judy loved visiting or being visited by friends, family or friends of the family. There was always an open door and a seat at the dinner table. 

The family has entrusted A.T. Hutchins with the arrangements. Visiting hours will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 followed by a Celebration of Life at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8th, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland, Maine. Deacon Kevin Jacques will officiate. A reception will follow the service at a location to be determined.     

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Judy. We suggest a gift to Hospice of Southern Maine. Gifts may be mailed to HSM at 180 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074, or made online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/give. As an alternative, we suggest a gift to the Maine Veterans’ Homes Scarborough, 290 US-1 Scarborough, ME 04074, or made online at. www.MaineVets.org.

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