Judith Ann Hendren

Judith Ann Hendren (née LaDuke), of Helena, MT died in her home, surrounded by friends on August 1, 2022. She was 79 years old

Judy was born on January 16, 1943 in Attleboro, MA to Burton and Ruth LaDuke. 

After graduating high school, Judy enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Stewart Air Base in Newburgh, NY. She married her fellow airman, Robert Pecqueur in 1964, and shortly thereafter the pair were transferred to Great Falls, MT. They adopted two children, Jean-Paul and Nicole. After her divorce from Robert, Judy moved her family to Tacoma, WA, where she worked in a variety of businesses before finally returning to the military family as a member of the Veteran’s Administration’s civilian staff. In 1982 she married her second husband, Murphy ‘Lee’ Hendren. Shortly thereafter, Judy and Lee moved to Helena, where she went to work at Ft. Harrison in the adjudication department, and she continued to work there until her retirement. 

In addition to her active work life, Judy was passionate about dogs. From the beginning to the end of her life she always had a dog as a companion. In her twenties and thirties, Judy was a regular on the dog-show circuit as a shower and breeder of Basenjis. Later in life, she extended her love by bringing rescue dogs to her Helena home. Even in her final place of residence, Helena’s Beehive Homes, Judy had Lily, a rescued Maltese, as her closest companion.    

Judy passed away peacefully in her home after a long illness. She will be remembered for her positive attitude, her unassailable stubbornness, and her sense of humor. 

Judy is survived by her children, Jean-Paul Pecqueur of Brooklyn, NY, Nicole Matteau, of Tacoma, WA, Travers Hendren, of Deer Lodge, MT, and Shane Hendren, of Brookings, OR, as well as several grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lee, her parents, and her sister, Ellen.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, she asked that friends and loved ones consider a donation to Lewis and Clark Humane Society.  

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