Obituary of Judith S. Masliyah

Our beautiful, sunny Mom, Judy Masliyah, 75, died February 17, in Carmel, surrounded by her family.
Our Mom, whose heart was lit by light and love, dedicated her life to her family and to healing hurt souls.
The most compassionate person we’ve known, Mom was a devoted wife of 52 years to her husband, our Dad, who predeceased her in November. Mom was a proud mother of three boys and a loving grandmother of seven children, for whom she never missed a birthday or finding the perfect Hanukkah gifts. Mom who loved walking along the beach, going to the movies, and watching the Golden State Warriors, was ever the spark of family activities and gatherings, of which she tirelessly brainstormed, discovered, arranged or led, all on the way to expanding a horizon or two, and all the while working full-time for 43 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
A native of Los Angeles, Mom attended high school in Los Feliz. Mom then quickly focused on her professional counseling career, completing undergraduate studies at California State College, Los Angeles, and in 1973, her M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Chapman College.
Deftly balancing work and family, Mom went with Dad where his professorships took him, first to Oberlin, Ohio, and then, Salt Lake City, where for nearly 11 years she had her own MFT private practice. She continued her practice when they returned to California, establishing herself for 33 years as a MFT on the Monterey Bay, only recently stopping her work schedule due to pancreatic cancer.
A steadfast, committed MFT, Mom had a wide-ranging practice, from emotional and mental health needs to parenting, women’s issues, and sexual abuse. Mom also organized counseling conferences on the Monterey Peninsula that attracted hundreds of attendees annually.
Recently, she was selected for “Outstanding Chapter Leader” by American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists for her continued development of the Monterey County chapter. The award will be given on February 26.

Mom was a true force for us and for others. We are in awe.
Zichrona livracha, May Her Memory Be A Blessing!
In lieu of flowers, donations in our Mom’s memory to Harmony At Home, Monterey Rape Crisis Center, or Congregation Beth Israel’s Scholarship Fund are welcomed.
With Love,
Your Sons and Your Daughters-in-Law