Judith A. (Ball) DeFusco

Judith A. O’Brien DeFusco (Ball), 76, East Greenwich, RI, dies on December 15, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 21, 1942, in Niagara Falls, NY. Her parents were Gordon and Sybil Ball. She was a twin to Joan and she attended school in Niagara Falls. She married Paul O’Brien on September 9, 1961, in Niagara Falls and they raised three children in upstate NY. The family eventually moved to Rhode Island. Judy worked at Quidnessett Country Club as an Assistant General Manager and she then worked at Potowomut Golf Clubs as the General Manager. Eventually Judy started her own catering company, Le Petit Cuisine. She then went to work at The 903. Judy was so well-known and highly-regarded as a leasing agent that Briarwood Meadows eventually lured her away, where she brought extraordinary warmth and joy to her fellow employees and all the residents on a daily basis. She married Ralph DeFusco in July, 1993. Judy and Ralph loved to travel and visited many places in Asia and Europe. In particular Judy and Ralph enjoyed visiting family in Italy. They were avid golfers and members of Quidnessett. Judy ran numerous golf outings and club functions, and it was widely agreed she brought the most energy to all events. Judy was a fierce competitor at the card table, and her favorite game was Hi-Lo Jack, and continued to play in a card league every week. She really looked forward to the family tradition that she established, playing cards for hours around the table during the holidays, where she and her grandson Cole were consistent champions for years. If you were her partner you had to be sure to bring your A game. Judy loved sports of all types, in particular football and her beloved Patriots, she never missed a game. She knew all the football stats for every NFL team and have even placed a bet here and there. Above everything she loved being a mother and grandmother, and just adored spending time with her grandchildren who lovingly called here Mema and Cha Cha. Judy had countless friends, of all ages and all walks of life. She shared her love of theater, cards, sports, going out to dinner, movies, and just enjoying each other’s company. Judy will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her lively voice, her energy, her warmth, and her infamous signature bling. She had a large impact on the lives of so many people, even on those whom she met only briefly. Judy is survived by her son Michael O’Brien (Stacey) of Mohnton, Pennsylvania, Michelle S. Ahlborg (James Bracey) of Newport, RI, and Shannon Richardson of East Providence, RI. She was the grandmother of nine: Chace E. Ahlborg, Cole H. Ahlborg, Jacob C. Richardson, Juliette M. Richardson, Eve J. Richardson, Kellen O’Brien, Alexandra Marshall, Robert Marshall, and Ethan Marshall. She was also a loving grandmother to nine of Ralph’s grandchildren: Jessica Gardner, Rebecca Ray, Gina Jerds, Tommy Gardner, Benjamin DeFusco, Robert DeFusco, Allison Fagundes, Elise DeFusco, and Ralph Daniel DeFusco. A celebration of Judy’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at the Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, RI. Display your bright colors and best bling. That is how she would want us to remember her. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Https://www.gofundme.com/friendsoftroop55 This is in honor of her grandson, Jacob Richardson, of whom Judy was so proud, in support of his Boy Scout Troop 55, where Jacob is about to become an Eagle Scout.