With heavy hearts and joyful spirits, we announce the peaceful passing of Judith Ann Branconnier 86, at Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital on March 7, 2025.

Judy was raised in Swampscott, the daughter of the late Herbert Sprague and Marguerite (Walsh) Coyne.  She graduated from Swampscott High School in 1956 and cherished her years as a cheerleader while making lifelong friendships along the way.   After high school she spent her life in Marblehead raising her family and embracing her career at the Boston Yacht Club.  Her time at the BYC created lifelong bonds with both members and the team she worked alongside of every day.

Since the late 1960's, Judy was known affectionately as "Judy B" by her "second family" the Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead.  Here is where she dedicated her entire career for a span of thirty years. With the announcement of Judy's passing, the outpouring of love and support from those she worked alongside her for so many years has been overwhelming.

A loving tribute from her close friend from the BYC,  Connie Re, "The one thing that always sticks out for me, was the summer the U. S. S.  Constitution was here.  We hosted that huge event, along with Halifax and Race week, and PHRF.  One right after the other.  More people asked me who she was.  They complimented her organization, eye for flowers, the tables were set formally and perfectly.  The lovely way she dressed, the confident way she carried herself.  Pure class!  So many of us in our 20's and 30's would roll our eyes at what we thought was pickiness.   But as we grew under her tutelage, we became grateful.  For the knowledge of how to do things right.  The etiquette of 6 different wine glasses placed just so.  To make a plain napkin into a beautiful swan. All those big events went off without a hitch.  Sure, there was a team of members and employees also working very hard, but Judy stole the show.  They were her events, and the rest of us worked to make her shine.  So, when she got the "standing O," it was very emotional for all of us.   She was proud to work at the BYC.  She passed down the traditions.  She looked us up and down when we came to work to ensure our uniforms were ironed and shoes not scuffed.  We loved and respected her.  There's never been anyone else like her.

Judy didn't have just one second family, she had two, the Devereux Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Marblehead.  Here is where she spent eight years prior to her passing surrounded by her loving care team.  This included Marissa, Ava, and Cindy her treasured CNA's who made sure she was looking beautiful every day and provided her with all her favorite items that were important to her.  Patti, head of activities, who ensured the residents participated in daily activities such as Bingo, music, nails, hair salon days, holiday celebrations, and even Super Bowl events.  Tai, Faye, and Merideth who were her nurses that monitored her wellbeing and maintained constant communication.  Dennis, the maintenance expert who hung every picture in her room and fixed anything without hesitation.  Mary Beth, who was there from the first day to assist with all questions that I could possibly have related to my mother being in a nursing home.  Judy's roommate, Carol, shared a room for many years building a friendship that all admired. The entire team loved my mom and deeply cared for her, kept her laughing, and celebrating life with her until the end.

Judy is survived by her son Bruce Branconnier of West Peabody and her daughter Diane Aikman along with her husband Douglas of Marblehead.
Judy was also a loving grandmother to Ryan and Kyle Aikman, Joshue Moore, and Cameron Bennett, all who she loved dearly.  She treasured her time with her grandchildren immensely.   Whether in person at events, phone calls, video, and Facetime, she cherished every accomplishment with such joy and pride along the way.  She is also predeceased by her brother Clark Sprague of Swampscott and survived by his wife Carol Sprague.  Judy also leaves behind her niece, Laura Lanzi and family cousins Clare, Fred, Jane and Paula and many nieces and nephews.

Judy's funeral service will be held on April 19, 2025, at 11:00am at Murphy Funeral Home - 85 Federal Street  (corner of North Street) Salem, MA.   Family and friends are invited.  Judy's burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you donate to the Devereux Residents Fund which has been established in Judy's honor through the National Grand Bank in Marblehead.  100% of the donations made to The GoFundMe account https://gofund.me/f3cced7a will be directed to the Devereux Residents Fund at National Grand Bank OR a direct payment to the Fund may be sent to NG Bank - 91 Pleasant Street Marblehead, MA 01945.  Donations will allow Judy's daughter Diane to make enhancements for the residents and staff in Judy's memory.

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