In composition class we are taught to avoid the use of superlatives — one person's superlatives don't apply to someone else. In Judith's case superlatives can't be avoided. In all my memories of Judith there is no avoiding superlatives because she really was a superlative person in every sense of that word's meaning, which is, "the best with no equal".

She was a superlative professional. No one knew the business of Real Estate Finance better than Judith. She knew every nuance and impact. No one was more effective as a professional. She successfully dealt with dozens of institutions, always fiercely defending Forest City's interest but always recognizing the importance of making the deal.

She was a superlative leader. All of those who served under her leadership in Forest City Finance will attest to this. She viewed the mentoring of younger people and the career development of her direct reports as total priorities. Nothing made her happier than witnessing the growth of her associates. No one was more of a team player. She worked with amazing effectiveness across all internal and external lines. Sam and Albert often refer to the adage that there is no limit to what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit. Truly, Judith didn't care at all about receiving credit. She cared only about getting the task accomplished successfully. All of us here tonight can attest to the fact that no one cared less about internal boundaries or crossed them more successfully than Judith.

Yes in all these ways she was a superlative person and executive, but I'd like to consider some other personal qualities of Judith's being, qualities that made her such a superlative example for all of us.

She was always calm. Throughout what seemed like interminable crises and deadlines over the years she presided over Forest City Commercial Finance and worked intensively on our corporate banking relationships and in all those times, Judith never panicked or lost her perspective. She approached every issue with a calm deliberateness that allowed everyone to concentrate on issues, not emotions.

She cared deeply and profoundly about people. She was always willing to help, to lend her experience and insight and give wise and deeply considered advice. Her impact was far greater than even she realized and this impact was both on those of us who knew her well and on those who, while knowing her less well, were still deeply impacted by her qualities of heart, of caring, of helping. Two weeks ago, near the end, I met an executive of a large Chicago based bank at a meeting. She didn't know about Judith's health issues and asked me to extend her best wishes. When I told her of Judith's situation she immediately sent a note to her which read:

"It's been more time than I'd like to admit since we've connected, but I must share with you what an extraordinary role model you are — not just to women (that too!) but to all real estate professionals. Your thoughtful analysis and open book have always been appreciated, but as much, your demeanor and spirit are a big part of what makes you the success you are and an example for all of us."

She cared about and did something about the needs of others. The story of her gift to the Cancer Institute at Parkland Hospital in Dallas for those who could not afford treatment is simply one vivid demonstration of her caring about everyone, and about those who were less fortunate.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and a magnificent smile. Her laugh is something that I'll never forget. Her entire face lit up when she laughed and it brought a glow to the entire room. Whenever I think of her I see that wonderful smile and hear that infectious laugh.

Shortly after her passing when Chuck, David and I were ruminating with the Finance staff, someone said Judith was a person for whom the glass was always half full not half empty. I thought this simile was perfect, but when I mentioned it to Albert, he responded with an amendment that I think summarizes Judith's entire being. He said, for her the glass was always totally full. Yes, this is the way she lived her life and the lesson she imparted to all of us, that the glass of life is always full, is a tremendously impactful and empowering thought. If anyone had reason to say that life's glass wasn't full or even half full, it was Judith, but she lived her life every day with the benefit of truly believing her glass was full.

I'm sure everybody tonight will comment on the fact that through all the years of treatment no one, not one person ever heard Judith complain, and no one had more cause to complain than Judith. I believe her stoicism in the face of tremendous pain and constant set- backs is the best example imaginable of how to deal with life's crises and challenges by approaching every issue as if one's glass is always full.

I respected, admired, and yes I loved her as we all loved her, and as I think of Judith, both now and in the future, it will always be a reason to celebrate.