Murder in Woodstock

One in a Million

Judy Nilan, wedding photo

Few could say they led the life Judy Nilan had. Her smile alone was enough to make you feel comfortable and alive. Most of her family lived in Oxford, Massachusetts: four brothers; two sisters. Judy was graduated in 1979 from Oxford High School. From there, she went on to college at the University of Connecticut, where she eventually earned her Master's in social work. Her passion in life, so said her obituary, was "teaching and caring for children," which was evident in the way people talked about her and respected the work she did. Her first love was always her family. In 1979, Judy wrote what would become an endearing and timeless set of words her family took pleasure in printing in her obituary: "As the years pass by, we'll glance at faded photographs recalling memories shared with special friends and family, never wanting it to end. Memories are the only thing left within the end."

Judy Nilan's entire adult life was dedicated to education. Woodstock Middle School once posted a tribute to her on its Website, saying, in part, "Judy Nilan was a social worker at the Woodstock Middle School who had a tremendous impact on the lives of the people around her. Her positive energy influenced the students and staff in the middle school."

If there was ever a person who fit into the lexicon of the age-old cliché one in a million, Judy Nilan was surely that woman.