Judith Lauchaire Field

MISSOULA – Judith Lauchaire Field, 69, of Missoula, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at her home while surrounded by her husband and children. She enjoyed a loving and productive life, the last 20 years sharing her body with cancer.

Mom was born Dec. 16, 1943, in Queens, N.Y., to Edward and Doris Lauchaire. She grew up and received her primary and secondary education in Far Rockaway, N.Y., and obtained a B.S. in chemistry in 1965 from St. Joseph College for Women in Brooklyn, N.Y., supported by a New York State Regents Scholarship. She continued her study of organic chemistry on a National Defense Education Act Fellowship at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, R.I. There she met fellow student Dick Field, and the two were married Sept. 5, 1966.

The young couple moved to Eugene, Ore., in 1968 where both she and Dick worked at the University of Oregon, Department of Chemistry. Their son Eli was born in Eugene in 1971. They moved to Missoula in 1975, and shortly thereafter daughter Sara was born.

Mom devoted herself in Missoula to her family, nurturing Dick and raising Eli and Sara. As the children grew, she found time to become interested in many subjects, independently studying and mastering each before moving on to the next. Her interest in family led her to become a master genealogist, working at the Family History Library at the LDS church in Missoula and serving as a vital member of the Western Montana Genealogical Society. In addition, she taught herself to be an outstanding gardener, woodworker, guitarist and artist. She took an active role in Missoula American Legion Baseball, serving many years on the board of directors and managing the concessions. She was an active member of Christ the King Church, performing tasks to help the faith community run smoothly. She was a strong supporter of humanitarian causes, and she touched many lives in very positive ways.

Judith shared her skills with all, especially her five grandchildren, who relished opportunities to go to grandma's house, where she would introduce them to the joy of craftwork. Her family's homes are blessed with many examples of her thoughtfulness, skill, imagination and elegance.

Survivors include her husband, Dick of Missoula; two children and their families, Eli (Nicole) Field of Frenchtown and Sara (Ian) Carlson of Missoula; one sister, Nancy Fariello of Shirley, N.Y.; one brother, Edward Lauchaire of Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y. In addition, she is survived by five grandchildren, Tanner Field, Bailey Carlson, MiKaela Field, Tayah Carlson and Mariel Carlson.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, at Christ the King Church, 1400 Gerald Ave., with Fr. Jeffrey Fleming presiding. A reception will follow and all are invited.

Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read Judith Field's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.