Judith and I have worked together for the 16 years she was at Forest City. We had much in common — particularly our love for boys — she for her nephews, Gregory and Daniel, and me for my sons.

When in the office on Monday, I was compelled to walk over to the finance department area to try to come to terms with the fact that I would never again see Judith bounding out of her office with great energy, determination and a smile on her face. She had such charismatic presence, she filled an entire room!

As I approached her office, I saw something that took my breath away. MaryAnn Killean, her Assistant, had posted a calendar page with the date January 16th, the date Judith had passed away. The page read: "Live, Love, Learn and Leave a legacy" It so defined Judith!

Live: Her life was overflowing with family, friends, travels, the arts, volunteerism, company transactions, professional organizations ... she lived abundantly.

Love: Judith's life was filled with love for Robin (Robin, everyone should have a partner like you in their life. You were her strength, love, support and cheerleader who helped Judith overcome so many of the times that we could have lost her over the years.), her nephews, her finance team. (To those of you from Judith's finance team, she expressed to me so much gratitude for your financial acumen, negotiation skills, deal-making and for making it possible for her to continue to work, while she faced her health challenges.) She loved her work and Forest City.

Learn: Judith was a consummate learner, but more than this, she was a teacher — not only in the areas of her expertise but of life — through the way she lived it — her words and her actions.

Leave a Legacy: Judith's life impacted all who knew her, and that is why we all feel such a profound loss.

But she has given all of us so many gifts to help us carry on without her:
The example of her courage and grace;
The way she lived her life with focus and intentionality;
Her joy and her compassion when we shared our own struggles; and
Her inspiration and hope for the future.

We will carry our treasured memories of this beautiful soul with us in our hearts forever.

I, too, would like to share a poem. Success in the worldly sense is often noted as power, wealth, fame and titles. Judith had something more, as she contributed her time, treasure and talents. This poem, titled "Success" by Ralph Emerson embodies Judith's success in her life.

"To laugh often and love much;
To win the respect of intelligent persons
And the affection of children;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one's self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know that even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived-
This is to have succeeded."

Judith Wolfe succeeded in her life.