Judy K. DeVincentis (nee Wilson)

Judy passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of her family, whose presence brought her comfort in the final months and days of her life.

Judy was born on October 13, 1956, in Pierre, South Dakota to JoAnn and Jack Wilson. Following the tragic loss of her dad, Judy moved to Montrose with her mother and brother, Brian Wilson. Her family later grew when JoAnn married Jerry Trudell, and Judy became the beloved daughter of Jerry and gained four additional siblings: Ray (1956-2001) Kim, Bill (1960-2008) and Laura (Annie).

Judy spent her childhood in Montrose, where she developed the determination, independence, and an iron will that would define her throughout her life. She graduated from Montrose High School in 1974 and went on to attend Western State College, where she was bold enough to sneak her beloved golden retriever into her dorm room for an entire semester! She earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in early childhood education.

In 1978, Judy married Gerald Koch and together they welcomed two children, Kirsten and Christopher, into their family. Kirsten and Chris were among Judy’s greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. Judy subsequently married Gene DeVincentis in 2000 and gained two wonderful stepchildren, Gina and Kevin. After Gene became ill, Kevin became the caregiver, grounds keeper, chauffeur, and “butler,” and was a steadfast source of support to Judy, providing help wherever it was needed.

As a grandmother, Judy delighted in her ability to hold “Camp Grandma” each summer, organizing, hosting, and directing activities for all her grandchildren for an entire week! Judy also took such joy in taking many road trips and cruises with her adult children and her grandchildren with a goal of visiting every national park in the United States. One of her most treasured trips was a recent excursion to Yosemite National Park with all her family.

Judy began her working career as the owner and operator of a preschool. Judy eventually became a multifaceted businesswoman. In 1990, Judy became a partner in Western Gravel and worked closely with her father, Jerry. One of their favorite activities was to meet for coffee, celebrate their latest success and start sketching out their next business adventure on a napkin! Together they built a reputation for excellence that became known throughout Colorado’s concrete and gravel industry. As a woman in a mostly male dominated profession, Judy transformed her vision into a highly respected enterprise that helped shape countless communities across the state.

Judy became a franchise owner of FirstLight Home Care in 2012. She subsequently opened four different territories of the FirstLight Home Care and eight out of her first ten years in the business, she was awarded “Franchisee of the Year” which resulted in multiple reward trips that she shared with her family. She was also the recipient of the inaugural, Founders Award in 2023, which recognized Judy for her outstanding commitment to clients, families, caregivers, and fellow franchise owners. Judy also served on the National Advisory Council as both chair and vice chair. Over the years, Judy served as a mentor and trusted advisor to new owners and was a valuable resource to the corporate office as well as her own family. Judy’s passion for the possible inspired her family to follow in her footsteps and provide care and resources to people in their communities.

Judy possessed a seemingly endless supply of energy, skillfully balancing the ownership and operation of multiple business at once while inspiring those around her with her vision, determination, and tireless work ethic. Following the example she so beautifully set for them, Judy’s family is the embodiment of her living legacy.

Judy was blessed to have many dear friends in her life. The family would like to especially thank Jenny Enoch, Drena Brown, and Judy’s care team during her treatments (and after) for their many contributions to her health, care and well-being.

Though cancer ultimately claimed her life, it never diminished her spirit. Judy’s legacy is not one of illness, but of resilience. She showed us what true strength looks like—not loud or dramatic, but quiet, constant, and deeply inspiring. She taught us that courage is not the absence of fear or pain, but the decision to keep moving forward despite it. She showed us how to live each day, each hour, and each minute with grace and an iron will. Judy, may you and Jerry find that perfect piece of ground and put together a deal that catapults you both into a new universe!

Judy is survived by her children; Kirsten (David Garrett) and Christopher (Amanda Koch) her mother, JoAnn Trudell; her brother, Brian (Tina) Wilson; her sisters, Kim Moore, and Laura (Birdie) Birchak; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her dad, Jack Wilson, her father, Jerry Trudell, and brothers Ray and Bill.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 10 am, Saturday, June 27th at Grace Community Church, 16731 Woodgate Road, Montrose, CO 81401.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Nick Birchak, Strength of Character Scholarship Fund - Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York. Nick, Judy’s beloved nephew, died in 2011 due to his epilepsy. This scholarship fund provides college scholarship to students with epilepsy. The address is: Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York, 3 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205.