Judith A. Denesha Obituary
Judith A. "Judy" Denesha (West), age 74, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026.
Judy was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, where her story began before leading her on a life full of love, service, and adventure. She proudly served in the United States Air Force, where she was stationed in California and Thailand. It was during her time at Vandenberg Air Force Base that she met the love of her life, her husband, Steven Denesha, on March 13th—a date that would forever hold special meaning. Their first date followed on St. Patrick's Day, a fitting celebration of Judy's Irish heritage, and one that began a lifetime of cherished memories together.
As a devoted Air Force wife, Judy embraced a life of travel and service, living in Michigan, Ohio, Italy, Belgium, Bonn and Berlin, Germany, and South Portland, Maine. While stationed in Bonn, she worked at the U.S. Embassy. Above all, Judy's most important and treasured role was being a loving stay-at-home mother. Throughout the years, she also traveled extensively across Europe, experiencing many countries and cultures. Later in life, she and Steve continued their adventures across the United States in their RV, visiting family, lifelong friends, and reconnecting with those from their military years.
Judy found joy in life's simple and creative pleasures. She loved crafting, knitting, and crocheting, and was known for her beautiful handmade creations. She cherished long conversations with her cousin Kathy, who was like a sister to her. Judy also had a passion for collecting Hummel figurines and took great pride in her collection. She was a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox—and especially loved attending Dodgers Spring Training games with her husband, where they were proud season ticket holders.
More than anything, Judy loved her family. She was the best Nana to her grandchildren, and her warmth, love, and presence will be deeply missed. Judy and her granddaughter Alexis were especially close. They spoke every day when not with each other. She wasn't just her Nana—she was her best friend. Judy was the first person Alexis wanted to tell anything to. They shared a truly special bond. She also had a special love for Christmas—so much so that she would begin her countdown the day after it ended. Anyone who knew Judy knew how much she treasured that magical time of year.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, Steven Denesha; her daughter, Angela Bustos and her husband Alex of Oceanside, California; her son, TJ Denesha and his wife Sofia of Oakland, California; her beloved grandchildren, Alexis Bustos of Oceanside, California, and Nova Denesha of Oakland, California; her cousin Kathy Landry, who was like a sister, and her husband Steve of Brookline, New Hampshire; her aunts, Ruth West and Frances Carroll; as well as many cousins, dear friends, and her close-knit WAH community, including her special friend Kathryn Varrati.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis "Frank" West Sr. and Christine "Chris" West (Carroll); her brother, Francis "Frankie" West Jr.; and her best friend, Kathy Murphy (Laferriere).
Judy's life was defined by love, strength, and devotion to her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
