Obituary: Judy David

Judy David, formerly of Atlanta, passed away Jan. 30, 2019. Judy was born May 26, 1938, to first generation immigrants James and Fannie Breiner in Milwaukee, later moving to St. Louis. She and her three brothers helped regularly at Breiners Bakery on The Loop in University City. Active and outgoing throughout school, she became known as the funniest student in the class of ‘56.

Judy returned to St. Louis after college years, and later relocated to Atlanta, before eventually heading west to San Diego and Santa Monica. Judy relocated to St. Louis again in 2016, wanting to be near family and high school friends.

Judy’s award-winning career as a copywriter and producer in the advertising industry began upon first returning to St. Louis, extending through her years in Atlanta and California. She earned ADDY and Clio awards for her work on high-profile accounts from Purina and Coca-Cola to MARTA and Chick-fil-A. Her portfolio is available at JudyDavid.com.

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Being in La La Land, Judy replaced her career with the hobbies of acting and stand-up, for fun and as a new challenge. Her most exciting role was beside Shaquille O’Neal. Her quick wit and word mastery never ceased, nor did her ongoing urge just to make people laugh.

Judy was the creative mom everyone wanted as theirs, eagerly taking daughter Donna and friends to midnight showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and son Rod to concerts of his favorite comedians from George Carlin to Martin Mull.

Judy set examples of self-determination, persistence and self-sacrifice while being supportive, encouraging, and always sure to acknowledge and applaud even the smallest achievement.

Judy was preceded in death by parents, James and Fannie Breiner, and by her beloved brother, Marvin. She is survived by children, Donna of St. Louis and Rod (Wendy) in Lenexa, Kan.; grandchildren, Jeremy in Kansas City, Mo., and Samantha in New York, N.Y.; brothers, Judge Richard Breiner (Dorothy) of Marin County, Calif., and Sheldon (Mimi) in Palo Alto, Calif.

A memorial service was held Feb. 10 at Kol Rinah synagogue in University City. Donations may be made in her name to Camp Sabra or Kol Rinah, or try to make someone laugh today in Judy’s memory.