Judith Lynne (Pollock) Dent, 84, died peacefully on Dec. 27, 2025, under the compassionate care of the Mid-Coast Medical Center team in Brunswick, Maine. 

Judy was born Dec. 1, 1941, to Clifford Given Pollock and Mary Josephine (Palmer) Pollock in Trenton, New Jersey. She graduated from Pennsbury High School in 1959, and from the College of Wooster in 1963 with a bachelor’s in music education. Judy received her teaching certificate in elementary education from Trenton State College and studied early childhood education at Shippensburg State College. She taught elementary school with the Ewing Township Schools and Central Fulton School District, and she taught nursery school at Falling Springs Presbyterian Church (Chambersburg, PA) and The First Presbyterian Church (Monroe, NY).

Judy married Robert Wayne Dent on Aug. 22, 1964, at the Morrisville Presbyterian Church (Morrisville, PA). The couple had two children: Douglas (adopted 1969) and Janice (born 1969). Judy and Bob enjoyed many things,including: music; travel, especially to see grandchildren, family, and friends; camping (when health permitted); but most of all being together wherever they were or whatever they were doing. The twinkle in Judy’s eyes captured his heart forever.

Judy earned a dual master’s degree in special education and music therapy from Teachers’ College at Columbia University in 1981.As part of her master's work, Judy designed and led experiential music classes for parents and young children, Music for Tiny Tots, utilizing rhythm, instruments, singing, and movement.Judy finished her career teaching music and elementary education with the Monroe-Woodbury Central School, retiring in 2005.

Judy was passionate about teaching, especially teaching toyoung children. There was always music playing in the house: she enjoyed a wide variety of musical styles, and played the piano very well. Judy enjoyed going to concerts and musicals. She loved long rambles through Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. She decorated her walls with photos and counted-cross stitch. She delighted in the birds at her feeders and the deer in her backyard. She loved good food, especially desserts. She loved to talk to people, to learn their stories, and to make them into friends. Judy treasured her days at the cabin in Maine and time spent with kids and grandkids. 

Faith was an important part of Judy’s life. She held church memberships with local congregations wherever she lived. Judy faced many health challenges throughout her life, but her soul never wavered. She embodied the words of the apostle Paul: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Robert Dent, and her son, Douglas (Karen Anderson) Dent; eight grandchildren, Chandra Labonte, Ben (Lexi) Labonte, Madalyn Dent, Kolby Labonte, Jonathan Dent, Natalie Labonte, Nathan Labonte, and Kyle Labonte, one great-grandchild, Leo Labonte, and honorary granddaughters Danica, Rhiannon and Bronwen Ramsey-Brimberg.Preceding Judy in death was her daughter, Janice (Dent) Labonte; her parents; and her two brothers, Lawrence Coulter Pollock and Clifford Scott Pollock.

A memorial service for Judy will be held 1pm Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Congregational Church, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, with the Rev. Todd Weir officiating. Burial will be at the Mid Coast Presbyterian Church, Topsham, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Congregational Church, Boothbay Harbor, Maine; The First Presbyterian Church, Monroe, New York; Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church, Topsham, Maine; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org);the Smile Train (www.support.smiletrain.org) or to the religious congregation or charity of the donor’s choice. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brackettfh.com.