Judith A. McGuire

Judith A. McGuire, 85, of Saunderstown, died peacefully at home on November 2, 2025 with her loving husband Jim by her side. Judy was the loving wife of James A. McGuire, Jr.. Born in Muncie, IN, Judy was a daughter of the late Glenn Simmons and Margaret J. (King) Simmons.
In addition to her husband, Judy leaves her loving son, James A. McGuire, III, and his wife Stephanie of Chesterfield, IN.  She was the sister of Barbara (Simmons) Miller, of Muncie, IN, and the late David Simmons.

Judy was a beacon of unwavering kindness and compassion, living a life defined by her innate calling as a natural-born caregiver. This profound sense of duty extended her gentle touch to family, friends, animals, and all who crossed her path. A Registered Nurse by profession, she worked in various hospitals and doctors’ offices until her retirement, where her empathy and skill brought comfort to countless patients and many of God's creatures, great and small.

It was through this caregiving spirit that Judy formed one of her deepest bonds—with her best friend, Mary Smith. In a selfless act of devotion, Judy and her husband Jim set aside their retirement plans of sailing the world to take care of Mary and her farm in Saunderstown, tending to both the land and Mary herself until her passing three years later. This chapter not only strengthened their partnership, but kept Judy and Jim physically active, engaged, and infused with purpose, as they nurtured the farm together.

Fortunately, Judy was able to spend three (3) winters in the Bahamas on her sailboat, s/v SONGLINES.  She had Jim, two cats, and her flute for Bahamian school children visits. Judy often performed a beautiful flute ‘taps’ at sundown, sometimes accompanied by fellow sailing buglers. 

A true lover of all animals and kind to every form of life, Judy was a dedicated member of the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island, where she specialized in rehabilitating birds. She could often be seen locally with a ‘care box’ in hand, tenderly nursing an injured or baby birds back to health. Judy also embodied the social graces and manners we long for in modern life—thoughtful, gracious, and truly living in gratitude for each moment.

Beyond her caregiving, Judy was a member of the North Kingstown Republican Town Committee and the Wickford Yacht Club. She was a talented stained-glass artist, and enjoyed traveling, sailing, tennis, her flute, and the wonderful joys of farm life with Jim.

A few days before, and in the early morning hours of her death, an owl stood watch over the farm, patiently waiting to carry Judy's soul to the heavens, reuniting her with beloved friends and family who predeceased her. We are certain she was greeted at the pearly gates by Saint Peter and her beloved late border collie, Oliver.

In accordance with Judy’s wishes, her funeral and burial will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory to the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island, 2865 Tower Hill Road, Saunderstown, RI 02874 will be appreciated. 
A small ‘Celebration of Life’ is being planned for Mother’s Day 2026 on the farm. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD.

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