Judith Kircher Coulter, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away peacefully on February 4 with her family and loved ones by her side. She was 73. After undergoing a lung transplant nearly five years ago,’Judy gained’admiration and respect from those who witnessed her long battle to overcome’her many medical complications.’The optimism, strength and grace that she maintained throughout these difficult years inspired those who knew her. Even when she suffered, Judy never gave up hope and’ always had a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eye, and a positive attitude. She loved her family and friends, and it was her love of life that gave her the strength to fight the battle.’ Despite her recurring medical challenges, Judy’s last years were’filled with happiness, laughter and love.’Her family and friends are grateful for the borrowed time that was given to her and the many memories that they were able to share with her. Judith Lucille Kircher was born as an identical twin on April 3, 1935, in Hollywood, and grew up with her siblings Jean (the twin), Connie, Bill and Bob.’As a young child, Judy and her twin sister appeared in numerous films.’She shared an exceptionally close bond with Jeannie, who passed away six months ago.’ After graduating from USC, Judy and Jeannie had an elaborate’double wedding. Judy and her husband, Jack Coulter, whom she later divorced, moved to Pacific Palisades in 1972 with their three children: Wendy, Jami and Chris. They raised their kids in the Huntington neighborhood, where Judy proved herself to be a devoted mom and an active member of the Palisades community.’She didn’t simply carpool her children to and from their various activities; she led the activities.’She was the Brownie troop leader, the Assistance League chairman, the PTA president, the classroom volunteer, the second mother to her children’s friends and more.’She loved her kids and she loved Pacific Palisades. For many years, Judy was an active and social member of the Bel-Air Bay Club, where she played paddle tennis with her many close friends. She loved the beach, she loved being active, and she developed lifelong friendships at the club.’ In later years Judy was lucky to meet the love of her life, John Shepard Bryan.’Shep was born in St. Louis, and raised his children in West L.A. as well. He and Judy met about 15 years ago and it was ‘love at first sight.’ Although Judy and Shep were never officially married, it was clear to those who knew them that they were meant to be together. They laughed, they smiled and they embraced life together. Judy loved to have fun and Shep made life fun for her, even when she was sick. Favorite activities included lunch at Dante’s, meals at the Riviera Country Club, socializing with friends and family, and trips to St. Louis, Hawaii and Northern California.’They loved a good adventure as much as they loved the simple pleasures of life.’ Judy (‘Grammy’) will be greatly missed by her seven grandchildren, her three children and their spouses, her two brothers, her longtime love Shep, her’extended family and’her many, many friends. She was predeceased by her sister Connie. A memorial celebration was held on February 10 at the Riviera. Donations in Judy’s honor can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
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