In Memorium
Judy Chappetta
photo courtesy of Rose Howse
On April 4, 2009 we lost a dear friend of ours. Judy Chappetta of Cooncreole Siberians lost her courageous battle with cancer. She was finally reunited with her beloved Irdie. Judy was more than a TICA judge or exhibitor. She was our friend and mentor in the Siberian cat world. Judy provided us with the cornerstone of our Siberian program, Cooncreole Zhivago. Our beautiful girls Basha, Dasha, Iziza and Sabrina can also be attributed to Judy.
She was an integral part of many Maine Coon and Siberian breeding programs. For 20 years Judy was Maine Coons. The same with Siberians. She brought over from Russia, Treskuchiy Sibirskiy Moroz Mur, "Irdie", TICA's International Cat of the Year for 2000. They set the TICA standard for Siberians.
Judy was a tell it like it is kind of lady. She had an infectious laugh and you could truly tell her love of the cats from the way she handled and showed.
We will miss our dear friend and mentor. She taught us about Siberians and helped to put our Siberian breeding program on the map.
Judy faced many ups and downs and adversity in her life. Many people faced with her trials and tribulations would just give up. Not Judy. She faced all adversity head on and with a positive attitude. Even her latest battle with cancer. She was bound and determined to win this fight. If for no other reason than her love for her cats. She had great show plans for several cats coming up. She wanted to be there and be a part of it.
We lost a wonderful example of the Siberian breed in September of 2001. Yesterday, April 4, Judy and Irdie were once again reunited. They had a wonderful love story. Judy described it as love at first sight. Today she is once again receiving head butts and kisses from her Irdie.
The cat fancy has lost a tremendous wealth of knowledge. We have lost our friend.
Dah Sveedahnyah ( good-bye for now, until we meet again )
photo courtesy of Rose Howse
photo courtesy of Rose Howse
