ORANGE, MA – Judith H. “Judy” (Risatti) Rathburn passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Leominster, Massachusetts, with her cherished family by her side, just as she wished. We take comfort in knowing she has been reunited in Heaven with her loved ones, especially her beloved daughter, Tracy (Cacciolfi) Matthews, and her husband of 43 years, Richard “Dick” Rathburn.
Born on April 4, 1943, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Judy was the daughter of the late Leno Risatti and the late Marjorie (Banks) Ball. Raised in Petersham, she spent most of her life in the Athol and Orange area, remaining close to the family she loved so dearly. Family was always the center of her world.
Judy was feisty, funny, and outgoing. She loved to talk, and there was no such thing as a “quick” phone call with her. Conversations often lasted an hour or more. She made friends wherever she went and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Laughter seemed to follow her, especially when she was surrounded by her siblings, with whom she shared countless joyful memories.
Judy also made a lasting impact throughout the North Quabbin community. For more than ten years, she worked at The United Arc as a Parent Educator for the Positive Parenting Program. In this role, she facilitated parent education groups, supervised home visits, and helped countless families develop valuable parenting skills. Through her warmth, wisdom, compassion, and sense of humor, she made families feel comfortable, respected, and heard. She was equally valued by her coworkers and was a treasured member of the Arc community.
Judy is survived by her children, Mark and wife Lisa Cacciolfi of Wareham, MA; Stephen-George Groccia of Worcester, MA; Scott Cacciolfi of Athol, MA, and the cherished memory of his late soulmate, Paula Houde; and Michelle Perusse and husband Douglas of Orange, MA. Her siblings Don Risatti and Joy Risatti of Orange, Kathy Augustine and husband Roger of Gill, MA, Shari Boucher and husband Bruce of Swansey, NH and Bobby Ball Jr of Athol, as well as their many children.
She is also survived by her stepchildren: Judy Adams and husband Larry of Wrentham, Massachusetts; Timothy Rathburn and wife Karen of Milton, Florida; Cynthia Grimard and husband Mike of Erving, Massachusetts; John Rathburn and wife Nancy of Athol, Massachusetts; and especially Sandra Murcell and her life partner, Topo Hakkinen, of Orange, Massachusetts.
It would be impossible to speak of Judy without mentioning her beloved grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure: Jennifer Rahaim and her partner, Justin Hicks; twin grandsons Thomas and Nicholas Rahaim; Zachary Cacciolfi; and Andrew Matthews. She also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren, Kaelyn, Alexia, Haley, and Cameron.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours, services, and a Celebration of Life at Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, Massachusetts, on Monday, October 26, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Judy was a longtime member of the church, where she and Dick were married in 1982.
A private burial will be held later that day.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Judy’s honor to The United Arc of Franklin County at:
https://unitedarc.org/donate.html
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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