Judith R. Gordon’s generosity will support generations of Nativity Worcester’s female graduates throughout high school.
At Nativity Worcester, eighth-grade graduation marks a new chapter in our students’ lifelong journey. A remarkable $1 million gift from the estate of Judith R. Gordon will help ensure that generations of our female graduates have the support they need for that next chapter.
The gift establishes Judie’s Fund, an endowed high school scholarship fund for graduates of the Julie Power Girls Division. This permanent endowment will provide assistance based on individual need, helping families cover tuition, textbooks, technology, activities, and other educational expenses throughout high school.
The timing makes this gift especially meaningful. In June 2027, we will celebrate the graduation of our inaugural eighth-grade girls class. As these young women begin high school that fall, Judie’s Fund will provide lasting support for them and the classes that follow.
“Our commitment to our students continues long after they leave our middle school classrooms,” shared Interim President Meredith Kent. “This extraordinary gift will help our female graduates take their next steps with confidence, knowing that their Nativity community remains beside them. As we prepare to celebrate our first graduating class of girls, Judie’s Fund ensures that they will have the support to pursue their goals throughout high school and will open doors for generations of girls to come.”
A Life of Learning, Service, and Generosity
Judith Ruth Gordon, known as Judie, lived with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a deep concern for others. She spent part of her childhood in Worcester before earning degrees from Penn State University, Columbia University, and Golden Gate University School of Law.
As a child welfare supervisor in San Francisco, Judie built relationships with clients and families that lasted throughout her life. She later taught English as a second language and devoted approximately 40 years to volunteering in the San Jose area’s performing arts community.
Remembered for her contagious smile, caring nature, and boundless energy, Judie lived modestly and intentionally grew her estate so that she could leave a lasting charitable legacy. She died on January 11, 2025, at age 85. Through Judie’s Fund, the care she showed others during her lifetime will continue to create opportunities for young women for generations to come.
Carrying Our Commitment Forward
Judie’s Fund builds on a meaningful tradition at Nativity Worcester. In 2018, Joe Flaherty established Nancy’s Fund in memory of his wife, providing high school scholarship assistance that has supported graduates of the Chick Weiss Boys Division. Judie’s Fund extends that tradition with a dedicated endowment for female graduates as the Julie Power Girls Division approaches its first graduation.
Established as a major initiative of Access & Impact: The Campaign for Nativity School of Worcester, the Girls Division opened new opportunities for young women to experience a Nativity education. Judie’s generosity carries that investment forward, helping sustain those opportunities beyond middle school.
Through our Graduate Support Program, we remain beside our graduates with guidance, mentorship, and academic and financial support as they navigate high school, postsecondary education, and life beyond the classroom. We are deeply grateful for Judie’s extraordinary gift and the lasting place she will hold in the Nativity Worcester story.
