Judith Daley

Judith (Judi) Perry Daley, 77, of Winter Garden, FL, went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2025, after a short and very courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 9, 1947, in El Paso, TX, but traveled extensively with her Air Force father, Col. Lucius Perry, her mother, Grace Perry, and her older sister, Jane.

After arriving in Florida for her senior year in high school, Judi knew she had found her forever home state. After high school, she attended and graduated from USF with a BS degree. While there, Judi, along with some very enthusiastic classmates and forever friends, founded the Delta Kappa chapter of Delta Gamma on that campus. Recently, a Judi Perry Daley Honorary Scholarship was established in recognition of her deep devotion and lifelong commitment to Delta Gamma.

After graduation, Judi became a flight attendant with TWA, which allowed her to continue her love of traveling, this time nationwide. But her real dream job and career was yet to come. She started working at Disney World in 1971 and would eventually become one of Disney World’s first female executives. Through her role as General Manager of Epcot World Showcase, Judi was an inspiration to young people throughout the world and is considered an icon within Walt Disney World Guest Relations. Throughout many years working in Guest Relations and Sales, she welcomed presidents and their wives, movie stars, royalty, celebrities, and non-celebrities who entered those magic gates. Judi embodied the true spirit of Disney World of joy, happiness, and wonder, as did her many friends from Disney, who continued to support, love, and lift her spirits weekly.

While living in Windermere, Judi enjoyed attending church and singing in a special praise choir. The Pastor of Music and her fellow singers remained close to Judi and were also particularly supportive this past year. In addition, Judi looked forward to special visits from amazing friends from her book club.

After retiring from Disney, Judi had time to pursue many other passions. One was working with Monarch butterflies. She did her research and her backyard was aflutter with those beauties, but she also shared her knowledge with many others, including schoolchildren, and many in senior living facilities. Judi loved almost all critters including her former Springer Spaniels and goats, and her most recent “thera-cats,” and chickens. Some of her dearest friends shared her love for everything “foul.”

She was a master crafter, but most often you would see her with her crochet needles creating one of her coveted scarfs or throws. Frequently, gifts were accompanied by some fresh eggs from her prized chickens or perhaps a delicious Judi-baked item.

Judi’s greatest joy came from her family and friends. The past year and a half was well spent with those who meant so much to her. She is survived by her son, Christopher Daley, her grandson, Matthew Daley, her stepdaughters, Pam Lloyd and Debbie Daley (her amazing volunteer caregiver) and her fiancé, Ed Neidhardt, Pam’s children (Julie Robinson, Steven Lloyd and Lindsey Robinson) and Debbie’s children (Curtis Schneider and Stephanie Schneider), Judi’s sister, Jane Kennedy (Jerre), Judi’s nephews, Bryan Kennedy (Amy) and Scott Kennedy (Tina) and her niece, Paisley Kennedy, as well as many very special cousins. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband and dear friend, Frank Daley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 18th at 4:00 p.m. at Family Church, 300 Main Street, Windermere, FL. A reception and dinner will follow.

Gifts in memory of Judi Daley may be sent to:

Ray Lloyd Ministries

PO Box 3244

Windermere, FL 34786

Facebook – Ray Lloyd Ministry

or

Judi Perry Daley Honorary Scholarship

Check payable to:

Delta Gamma Foundation

3250 Riverside Drive Columbus, IH 43221