In Memory

Judith Genovese (Oltman) - Class Of 1958

Judith Genovese (Oltman)

Judith Lynn Genovese Oltman died on February 26, 2021 at the age of 80 from a sudden heart attack after receiving a Covid vaccination. Judy was born to Frank Genovese (SPHS '29) and Margaret Verostko Genovese on December 25, 1940 in South Pasadena. She attended local schools, graduating from SPHS in 1958. She married the love of her life, David Oltman and moved with him to Iowa. After two winters in Iowa they permanently returned to Southern California eventually settling in Hemet Valley and Idyllwild.

Judy held many jobs over the years; working for Consolidated Metals and modeling for their brochures, The Easy-Ad, and John Mittrick Attorney at Law. She founded her own interior-landscaping business, JudyO's in 1981 running it until her passing. Her deep love of plant design guided JudyO's and her own house reflects this lifelong pursuit. She grew fig trees, orchids, pothos, and many others. Judy was the elected treasurer for the City of Hemet for 27 years and was a long standing member of the California Municipal Treasurers Association and the National Treasurers Association, serving on the board of the latter for many years. She saw the city through the depression of 2008 by protecting the investment portfolio and not losing a single penny of the city's money. She was a board member of the Performing Arts Guild Alliance for many years happily helping in any way possible. Judy had a natural strong theatrical type voice and was involved in the Ramona Pageant play for over 15 years. She played the coquette, Margarita, for many years and then took over the role of The Senora. She was involved in many productions with the Ramona Hillside Players making many lifelong friendships.

Judy was a math whiz who could calculate large sums in her head. When shopping she could tell you exactly how much something would cost, including discounts and tax. She would never let anyone buy anything that did not suit them and was never shy with her opinion. Style and class came naturally! After she and Dave bought a fixer-upper home in the hills, Judy returned to school, earning her interior design certificate from UCR. She had an expertly brilliant eye for color, proportion, and use of space. She was a skillful and accomplished seamstress, making everything from curtains to wedding gowns for her friends and family. She and Dave were consummate do-it-yourselfers who honed their creative skills to the point where the house ended up a masterpiece of beauty and classical elegance.

Mostly Judy will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and hospitality. She and Dave would often host large holiday gatherings that were a source of fun and joy for her family and friends. Judy was always planning something and going somewhere domestic or overseas. She and Dave enjoyed their trips to Europe and the United States whether traveling for business or pleasure they always ate, drank, and were merry. Some of their favorite spots were London, Paris, Florence, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.

Judy always gave the best advice regarding education, work, money management, and life. She possessed a wonderful, clever wit and loved to laugh especially over family dinners. She always maintained a beautiful appearance that matched her beautiful inside. Friends she hadn't seen in years swore she never aged. Judy had a natural charm and grace that was apparent to all who met her. Part of what made Judy so special was the fact that she was a math major enjoying accounting and investment duties but she also had a creative flair whether interior and plant design, clothing and style inspirations came fast and easy. Judy had a cheerful nature, a quick wit and a hearty laugh.

Judy is survived by her husband of 63 years, David R Oltman; her children Kimberly (Rahim), David and Darci (Jeffery); three grandchildren and one great-grandson; her most beloved baby sister, Marilyn (SPHS '67); cousins; and many friends. Judy, thank you from the depths of our beings for your 80 short years of dedicated service and love and some truly amazing memories. You will forever burn in our hearts, lighting us up like hundreds of bright stars in the universe.

The Press-Enterprise, March 21, 2021