Judith E. Garvens
Judith Erickson Garvens, who called Lafayette home for 50 years, died peacefully on September 9, 2026, in Santa Barbara, California. She was 85. Judy was born January 24, 1941, in Sacramento to Herbert and Eveleen Erickson and grew up in Oakland with her younger brother, Ed. Summers during her childhood were spent at her grandparents’ farm in Lake County, CA. She graduated from Fremont High School and went on to Stanford University, graduating in 1962 with a degree in psychology.
While teaching elementary school in San Jose after college, Judy was set up on a blind date with Kent Garvens by mutual friends. One of their early dates was the Cal-Stanford Big Game. They married on July 23, 1966, and settled in Lafayette, where they raised their two children, Kathryn and Jeff, in a beloved home among the oak trees.
As a young mother, Judy became active in the League of Women Voters. That involvement eventually led to many years of service to the City of Lafayette, first on the Parking Commission, then the Planning Commission, and later the City Council, where she also served as mayor. In 1997 she was named Lafayette’s Citizen of the Year. City colleagues appreciated her warm humor and ability to get to the heart of an issue. Judy brought these same qualities to her work at John F. Kennedy University and at the family business, Electro-Coatings.
She was active in Lafayette United Methodist Church, Infinite Smile Sangha, Friends of the Lafayette Library, her book club, SMARTS investing club, and many other community groups over the years. An avid reader, she had shelves full of books on psychology and spirituality. She walked countless miles on Lafayette trails, often with a friend or family member, and loved music, museums, Giants games, good food, long conversations and a good laugh. In a short biography she wrote late in life, Judy described her hobbies as “collecting friends, creating community, meditation, walking, reading, cooking, and taking an active interest in her children, grandchildren, and friends’ lives.”
Judy and Kent traveled widely in their empty-nest years. They loved cooking and eating together, long drives through wide-open country, and their home at Sea Ranch, where they walked the bluffs and watched the sun rise and set. Lake Tahoe was another favorite place, especially Thanksgivings spent at the Garvens family cabin.
Judy was devoted to her grandchildren. With one child’s family in Santa Barbara and the other in Texas, she made it a priority to bring everyone together regularly, helping create close relationships among the cousins despite the distance between them. She and Kent also took each grandchild on a special trip. Judy took an avid interest in her grandchildren’s lives, attending their games, plays and other activities.
Judy had a gift for friendship. She listened closely, asked questions and was genuinely interested in people’s lives. Friends described her as smart, funny, thoughtful, practical, compassionate and completely without pretense. Her laugh was especially memorable. One friend wrote that Judy’s eyes smiled when she talked; another simply described her joy as contagious.
Kent died unexpectedly in 2010 after 44 years of marriage. Judy remained in Lafayette until 2021, when she moved to Santa Barbara to be near Kathryn and her family. She spent her final years there, surrounded by family and lovingly cared for as her health declined. Her family is grateful for the kindness and care she received at Vista del Monte, Casa San Miguel, and Villa Alamar.
Judy is survived by her daughter Kathryn Debruynkops (Peter); her son Jeffrey Garvens (Traci); grandchildren Annie, Will and Joe Debruynkops and Lily, Otto and Henry Garvens; step grandchildren Brittani Cardinale and Jeffrey Bushaw; her brother Edward Erickson; her sister-in-law Terry Garvens; and a close extended family including many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Saturday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. in the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549.
