Judith West

Dr. Judith M. West of San Francisco, CA, formerly Casselton, ND, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at San Francisco General Hospital at the age of 79.

She was born Aug. 3, 1945 in Fargo, ND to Wayne and Doris (Dittmer) West. She grew up in Casselton, ND and graduated valedictorian of her Lincoln High School class in 1963. Judy continued her schooling at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where she received a nursing degree in 1967. She went on to receive a Master’s degree at the University of Washington in Seattle and then settled in San Francisco in 1971.  Judy worked many years at the University of California San Francisco where she taught in the nursing field and worked in their wound healing research clinic. She later received a Doctorate of Nursing Science followed by her PhD in wound healing. This specialty brought an invitation to speak internationally at medical conferences. She semi-retired in the early 2000’s and worked as a night Dean and school nurse at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA.

Judy grew up spending summers at Pelican Lake and in 2004 fulfilled her dream of being back at the lake when she bought a seasonal cabin on Lake Melissa. She enjoyed painting and going to art shows. Her hand painted birthday and Christmas cards have been and will remain treasures to her family and friends. You might also have found her at a local thrift store finding her next treasure. Most of all, she was a passionate caregiver to those who needed medical care.

She is survived by two siblings, Jeanne (C. Edward) Olson of Argusville, ND and William (Flora) West of West Fargo, ND; seven nieces and nephews, Carl (Lindsay) Olson, Craig (Laura) Olson, Caryn Olson, Brooks West, Andrew West, Ivy West and Medora (Ben) Roehl; seven great nieces and nephews, Casey Olson, Dru Olson, Stetson Olson, Evie Olson, Maxwell Olson, Lydia Roehl and Miles Roehl.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral: Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11 AM at the West Funeral Home Chapel, Casselton, ND with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Casselton Cemetery.

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