Judy Gauthier

by Robin Rodgers

With a ruddy Irish complexion and a smile that fills her whole face, Judy Gauthier has an aura of happiness surrounding her. Brought up in Burlington in a large family, Judy follows a path of family and sharing of oneself. Many interests and lots of hard work fill Judy’s days.

She met her husband of 22 years working at an ice cream shop in Lowell while she was in college. “They (ice cream shop) was hiring and this cute boy applied. We’ve been together ever since,” beams Judy with a little giggle in her voice. Conrad Gauthier and Judy work side by side in their construction business. “We work right together,” says Judy. You’ll find her installing plumbing fixtures, hammering nails, doing the books and she even takes on small jobs by herself. Judy belongs to a group in Lowell that once a month get together to do repairs for low income or handicapped family’s. She in a “house captain” or the general manager of one of the teams that does everything from painting to roof shingling. Judy and Conrad have lived in Hudson for 16 years with their two daughters Jessie 19 and Nancy 17 both Alvirne Graduates.

When she is not working she is the leader of the Senior Girls Scout Troop here in Hudson. She started as a volunteer for her daughters troop in 1989 and by 1994 she had her own troop of senior girls from grades 10, 11, and 12. They meet at Alvirne High School and are very involved in the community. The perennial volunteers can be seen at the voting booth selling cookies. At the Hudson Police Blood Drives Judy and her girls are always there to entertain the children while mom and dad donate blood.

Demonstrating dedication and commitment without fear, Judy accompanies the Girls Scouts all over the place. Whether it is driving the Troop to Montreal, Boston or anywhere in-between Judy is ready to go. Conrad is also a registered Girl Scout and he accompanies her on these trips to help out with anything needed. “He likes going on the trips and the girls love him,” said Judy.

Aside from Girl Scouts, Judy has also chaperoned the Alvirne FIRST Team to Regional and National Competitions. “There was no sleep and it was exhausting but so much fun,” said Judy of her experience at Epcot with the team. For the Connecticut competition she drove the mini bus, kids, robot and all.

Never an idle moment Judy also belongs to the New Hampshire Spinners and Dyes Guild. She is on the Board of Directors of the Guild, which is a natural for this lifelong knitter. In competition her team is the one to beat, they have consistently been in the top three, and for the last two years they have won the “Fleece to Shawl” contest. Judy has been number one in the “handspun scan of yarn” contest four years running. She has two lamas, several sheep and angora rabbits that she cares for, shears herself and then spins the wool into yarn. “I keep emergency knitting in the car, you never know when you’ll be in a traffic jam.” The Hudson group of Spinners meets twice a month at member’s homes where they spin, eat, laugh and help each other. They also go on several weekend trips to fairs and competitions.

With love a family and community Judy’s one wish for Hudson in more parental involvement and new faces in volunteering. Judy Gauthier is someone you should know.