Judy Newbill Burns, 66, loving wife, mother, and sister passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.  She loved her husband of 28 years, Rich Burns and her children, Richard and Stewart, beyond measure. Judy possessed a vibrant, sparkling personality that lit up a room. She also possessed a razor-sharp wit and a special ability to get things done that endeared her to many in the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze communities.

Born on October 10, 1955, in Corona, CA, Judy grew up in a military family and was the second of five children. She attended 12 schools in 13 years, which helped to shape her ability to adapt and overcome any situation. She learned to ride horses in Panama and learned to ski in Sandpoint, Idaho when her father, Col. Merrill Newbill, was in Vietnam. She received her B.A. from Virginia Tech and earned her Master's degree in Economics from the University of Delaware.

Judy and Rich were married in Pensacola in 1994 and her primary focus was always her family. She was never happier than when her first child, Richard was born. After her second child, Stewart arrived, she took an early retirement from Southern California Edison and moved to Florida in 2000.

Judy attacked the unique challenges that come with a special needs son with the same energy and drive she brought to everything else. She was instrumental in the formation of the Autism Society of Northwest Florida and served on the board for many years. She was also the driving force behind the creation of Autism Pensacola's Kids for Camp program in 2003. In 2008, she was recognized as Santa Rosa County, Florida's Point of Light recipient for her work with the autism society.

Judy had boundless energy and provided significant contributions to the community. She played active roles in the board and committee work of the Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church and the Pensacola Country Club and served for over ten years as the executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida. One of Judy's coworker's stated that "When she gets something in her head that it's going to happen, it's going to happen." Judy retired in April 2021.

Judy loved to travel, and she and her family often visited extended family in Canada, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington. Judy was a wonderful aunt to her many nephews and nieces, always remembering birthdays and special occasions. At home, she purchased an extra-long table so she could hostess family gatherings and everyone, all 24 of her closest family, could celebrate together. She would play cards in the evening with her family and although she didn't think she won a lot, her family thought she won a lot.  She had just begun golf lessons so she should keep up with her husband, Rich.

Judy was preceded in death by her brother Lee Newbill and her father, Col. Merrill S. (Bud) Newbill, USMC (ret).  She is survived by her husband, Rich Burns, her two children Richard and Stewart, her mother, Mary Newton Newbill, and siblings Dixie Reyes, Catherine Newbill and Edward Newbill.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 10, at 1:00pm at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze, FL with a reception following at the Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church.    The service will also be streamed on the Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, you are urged to consider memorial donations to:

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida, Inc.,   5200 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola Fl 32503.

Or Autism – Pensacola, 10001 N Davis Hwy,   Bldg 1, Pensacola Fl 32514