Judith Joan Battello Gunderson

Warm, compassionate and charming were often used to describe Judith Joan Battello Gunderson, born August 1, 1935. Judy followed Don, her husband of 70 years, when she passed away March 15, 2026. A native of Washington state, Judy’s childhood included learning from her mom in the kitchen, and from her dad in the garden or hunting. Always a fine student, she enjoyed playing clarinet in the band where she met the love of her life, Don Gunderson.

After a short stint as a switchboard operator, Judy married Don in 1955 with the idea of living on his family’s Montana farm. In a plot twist, the couple decided to return to Western Washington State College in Bellingham, Washington, where Don was a music education major. Daughter Kathryn was born in 1956, followed in 1958 by son, Michael. While Don pursued his teaching career, Judy was a true home maker, creating a nurturing environment for her family.

Moving to California in 1961, Judy’s commitment to family expanded to her new community in Buena Park. She joined the Altar Society at St. Pius V Catholic Church and served the congregation, priests and nuns for over 50 years, leading memorial rosaries, preparing the sacristy for services, filling in for the rectory cook as needed, and organizing fund raisers from fish fries to festivals. A special ministry close to her heart was frequent visits to the ill and homebound of the parish, to whom she often brought meals.

Parent Teacher organizations at all levels benefited from Judy’s participation and leadership throughout the years as Kathie, Mike and Mark (born in 1965) matriculated through Dysinger Elementary School across the street, Crescent Junior High School, and Savanna High School. The tens of thousands of dollars raised for schools brought students experiences they might not otherwise have had through assemblies and field trips. The events she chaired helped provide inexpensive entertainment and quality time together for families. At this same time, Judy supported whatever band Don was leading, often sewing uniforms and always contributing to Band Booster events.

Judy’s kitchen was magical. Her brownies and lemon bars were cause for celebration at many a meeting. Her pies were legendary, as were her gift baskets for fundraisers, often including jam from the backyard berries and chocolate pound cake. While she was cooking, the radio was always on so Judy never missed a game by the Los Angeles Rams, the Lakers or the Anaheim Angels.

With Mark in high school and Kathie and Mike out of the house, Judy took on a job outside of her home at National Music store. There, her caring nature was evident in her customer service. Friendly and courteous, her professional demeanor soon shifted to serving as executive secretary for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). For decades she supported band directors with encouragement and advice, and made sure the checks went out on time.

Alongside her Altrusa sisters, Judy widened her sense of community for the past 39 years. A staunch supporter of the Women’s Transitional Living Center, she also sewed many blankets for the Linus Project, collected thousands of books for children, and made hundreds of jars of jams for holiday fundraisers. In all her volunteering, Judy knew the importance of relationships. She would rally a team and nurture her teammates with encouraging words, food, and lots of smiles. She modeled hard work, compassion and respect for others without regard to their station in life. A humanitarian, Judy inspired many with her deep love for family, friends and community.

Judy Gunderson is survived by her children and their families: Mike and Stephanie Gunderson; Mark Gunderson and Phyllis Kawada Gunderson; Kathryn Gunderson and Robb Rogers; grandchildren Camille and Matthew Gunderson, Alexander Rogers, Morgan Gunderson and her husband Jeff Cale, and great-granddaughter, Scottie Cale.

The Gunderson Family has established a scholarship fund in partnership with Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization to support members of the drum corps who aspire to a career in music education. Donations may be made online at https://give.butter.com/gunderson-scholarship, or through the postal service at Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization, PO Box 5409, Diamond Bar, CA. 91765.