Judy F Rex

Judy Freyermuth Rex, 84, passed away on August 21st, 2024, after a full life rich with accomplishments, service, and special time with the many friends and family she held dear. Her passing followed the loss of her beloved husband of fifty-nine years, Bill, just a few months prior.

Judy was born on December 14th, 1939, in New York City to parents An Mack Reed and George H. Freyermuth. A graduate of La Chatelaine in St. Blaise, Switzerland, she attended Wellesley College and graduated from Duke University in 1961 with a major in French.

Judy married the love of her life, William E. Rex “Bill” on February 27th, 1965, in San Francisco, noted as “an exceedingly pretty bride” as captured in the New York Times. Together they had two children, Edward Marshall Rex “Ted” (Sarah), and Victoria An Rex Shanahan “Vickie.” She is survived by them, her brother Reed Freyermuth, her stepdaughter Dana Jean McKee, and her grandchildren Conor McKee (Amber), Kelsey McKee, Atticus Dewitt Rex and Harriet An Rex.

While Judy lived a life marked by many positions and achievements including teaching French in university, working at the Rockefeller Foundation, roles with the Dale Carnegie Institute, Trustee at Duke University, coaching students in achieving higher education goals, and countless positions in her church communities, it was her six decades-long marriage, time with loved ones, and being of service through various boards and church communities that brought her the deepest joy.

Throughout their marriage, Judy and Bill delighted in international travels, lovingly tended-to homes and communities of friends in New York; Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Waynesville, NC; and finally, the Deerfield Community in Asheville, NC. Their homes, porches, and patios were always open to guests for a glass of wine, bite to eat, and time together surrounded by various mementos and often her meticulously arranged flowers.

She was known and loved by many for her flair for entertaining (including many French dishes rich with extra cream and butter), her penchant for giving the most thoughtful and timely gifts (never missing a holiday or loved one’s birthday), her unmatched kindness and generosity in letter-writing in her one-of-a-kind penmanship—always in ink(!), her love for her pet dogs (a woman’s best friend too!), her appreciation for a great car (most recently a rumbling red convertible Mustang!), and her fierce yet grace-filled sense for right and wrong. She also understood and shared her wisdom on how to recognize magic in the world around us, especially elves, angels, and nature’s messengers – and wild rabbits, birds, and bears.

A true matriarch, though sure to be sorely missed, her friends and family are deeply grateful for the mark she’s left on our lives, the angels in our pockets, the enduring memories, and the many lessons and endless love she shared with those she touched.

The care of Mrs. Rex has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.