For Chicago native Judi Nudelman, science and math always came easily. She was the top student in grade school and high school and got a full scholarship to the prestigious Northwestern University. She ultimately became a systems engineer at IBM.  

In the early 1960s, during her rise through the corporate ranks, Judi faced discrimination and but didn’t do so quietly. She relied heavily on the work ethic and grit she learned from her parents and the wisdom she gained from her grandparents. They were all a big influence in Judi’s life.

One snowy day at friend’s house, she met a fellow scientist– in her words “a brilliant man”– with PhDs in neuroscience and physics. Harvey was his name, and before long they were married, had 2 sons and lived happily as they supported each other in their respective careers. – until 2012, when the couple received devastating news. Harvey had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP. The life expectancy was about 5 years.

It was a bitter irony – a neuroscientist contracting a neurological disorder.  Judi became his primary caregiver – spending 100% of her time with Harvey – until he passed away five years later.

This experience left an indelible mark on her. She wanted to use it to help others. Before long she founded the Central Texas chapter of Cure PSP, a support group for patients and caregivers who must deal with the disease that took her husband. Something she didn’t have for herself.

Beside her ongoing work with CurePSP, and serving on the City of Austin’s commission on aging, Judi is still active in the college internship program she created – Women in Neuroscience – focusing on bringing more women of diversity into this science field.

This program started with 1 student and has grown to 108 undergraduate interns all with hands-on research and clinical experience through UT and Dell Medical Center. All because of Judi’s vision.

“I use every skill and experience I have ever had to make the world a little better,” Judi told us.

She added that she believes that the work Family Eldercare is doing is essential.

“I think of many hardworking people I have known in every phase of my life.  It is so important to be able to provide people like that the housing, safety and support that is due to them after their years of service to others.”

Thank you Judi for YOUR years of service to others!