Judith A. McDaniel

Judith Anne McDaniel – known by Judy or Jude – passed away peacefully at home in Brookline, New Hampshire, on September 28, 2025, following a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, and friend. Judy was a cornerstone of the community at Hollis Brookline High School, where she taught mathematics for over twenty years.

Born Judith Anne Seraikas to Albert and Annette Seraikas in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 30, 1961, Judy grew up in the neighboring town of Barrington with two loving older brothers and a close extended family in the greater Cranston/Providence area. From an early age, she was a bright and curious student, passionate about mathematics, the sciences, and language study. She graduated from Barrington High School in 1979 and went on to study French and mathematics at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in 1983. Judy was a stellar student and a dedicated cross-country athlete, but stood out most for her kindness and the warm and genuine spirit of her friendship.

Judy met Tim, her husband and partner of more than forty years, in French class in her first semester at Bates. They married on December 3, 1983, and crisscrossed New England and the East Coast many times over their joyful years together, visiting family, attending concerts, and celebrating life’s great and small pleasures. They built a warm and happy home in Brookline in 1987, where they raised their two children, Patrick and Sarah, and four golden retrievers (Crosby, Marley, Buffy, and Carly). Judy earned her Master of Business Administration from Rivier College in 1992, with the love and support of her infant son Patrick.

In 2002, Judy pursued a new direction in her life and career when she became a mathematics teacher at Hollis Brookline High School. Over her 23 years as an educator, colleague, and mentor, she brought her sparkling intelligence, deep curiosity, and awe-inspiring kindness to every interaction she had in the classroom, in the hallways, and on the sidelines of track meets, where she volunteered and spectated for many years, both during and after her children’s time on the track and field teams. Some of the highlights of her time at Hollis Brookline included chaperoning student trips to France and singing alongside her faculty and staff colleagues at the annual HBHS Guitar Night. Judy frequently expressed that what she truly enjoyed most about teaching was the students. She took joy in meeting students of all ages with warmth and generosity. Her advice (and her famous classroom file cabinet, covered in college and university magnets) inspired countless young HBHS students to pursue their goals beyond the walls of the school. She cherished her decades-long friendships with colleagues at HBHS in and beyond the Math Department.

Friends, family, and loved ones will remember Judy for her unflinching support, humility, immense thoughtfulness, and mischievous sense of humor. She had an adventurous spirit and was always open to new experiences and ideas – from trying new treats at Trader Joe’s to mastering new puzzles with her son Patrick, taking cross-country road trips with her daughter Sarah, and tackling numerous home and gardening projects with her husband Tim over their many decades together in Brookline. She brought joy to everyone she met and will be deeply missed and always remembered – in Brookline, at HBHS, and at concerts of her favorite musician Bruce Springsteen. In the words of the Boss: “You can’t start a fire without a spark.” Judy’s spark will truly be missed.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband Tim, her children Patrick and Sarah, her brothers David Seraikas (and sister-in-law Beth) and Michael Seraikas (and sister-in-law Lori), her five nieces and nephews, and her golden retriever Carly.

Visting hours are Friday, October 3rd from 4:00pm-7:00pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A memorial mass will be held on October 10th at 11:00am in St. Patrick Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Judy’s memory to Home Health & Hospice Care of Merrimack, New Hampshire (https://www.hhhc.org/).