Judee Mestayer

Born in New York, New York on November 10, 1939.
Departed in Melburne, Florida on June 4, 2018

Judee Mestayer was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and teacher. Born on November 10, 1939 to Dennis and Nora O’Donnell on a trip to New York City, Judith Marie O’Donnell was nicknamed “Judee” because her mom had prayed to St. Jude during her pregnancy but the priest wouldn’t allow Jude on the birth certificate. She was raised in Downingtown, PA on a small farm and was active in local sewing competitions. She graduated from Immaculata College in 1962 with a BS in Home Economics and began a teaching career that lasted over 25 years. She met her life’s love when her brother, Bob, a navel aviator, brought home the squadron’s electronics officer, Daniel C. Mestayer, Jr. They married on June 29, 1963 and moved to the frontier that was Melbourne, Florida. While Dan built satellite ground stations, Judee built a home and together they raised three children – Daniel, III, Robert and Lisa with lots of love, tennis playing and time spent enjoying the local natural wonders. They were very active in their parish communities first at Our Lady of Lourdes and then as Founding Members of Immaculate Conception. Judee began teaching again first substituting in the public high schools then teaching an adult education sewing class, where she very much enjoyed the company of her “ladies.” In 1978, she received an offer from Fr. Henry and began a career at Melbourne Central Catholic that lasted until a serious illness prevented her from continuing in 1999. She always spoke fondly of her students especially her PIAs. During her recovery she was a devoted grandmother and enjoyed participating in the local American Association of University Women (AAUW) chapter. She continued volunteering at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church as a Minister to the Sick and Extraordinary Minister as long as she was able. Judee is sorely missed and survived by her husband, children and eight grandchildren – Matthew, Sarah, Robert, Triston, Nicholas, Leah, Ethan and Dakota and her extended family.
A Memorial Service will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 3870 South Highway A-1-A, Melbourne Beach, Florida beginning at 11 am on June 13, 2018 with a reception in the hall to follow.