Judith "Judy" Christofolis

Strong, generous, compassionate, selfless, and humble are some of the many words that describe Judy Morford Christofolis, 58.  Judy passed away peacefully in her home in Indianapolis, IN, on March 12, 2020.  Judy was born on January 19, 1962 in Indianapolis, IN to Gerald and Martha Morford.  She attended Moorehead Elementary, Woodview Junior High, graduating from Warren Central High School in 1980, all in Indianapolis, IN.  Judy attended Butler University, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance.  She was a member Delta Gamma Sorority and served as sorority treasurer, followed by sorority advisor after graduation.

Judy began her career as a CPA with Geo. S. Olive, a regional CPA firm.  There she met Ted Christofolis and they married on September 20, 1986.  Judy then moved on to Controller at Baker and Daniels Law Firm. Judy subsequently started Windsor Accounting Services later to become Redwood Accounting Services.  In 1998 she and Ted started Redwood Investment Advisors, an independent fee only investment advisory firm, where she was 50% owner, Vice President, and Chief Compliance Officer.  Later in her career, Judy also worked as campaign treasurer for her friend Congresswoman Susan Brooks.

Judy was a member of the Junior League of Indianapolis where she served on numerous boards. She was also instrumental in developing the investment strategy for the endowment, making the Indianapolis chapter one the most successful chapters in the country.  Judy also served on the Board of Directors for the Indianapolis Art Center where she offered her skills in finance and investment strategies. Ted and Judy always enjoyed taking clients and friends to the party of the summer at the Indianapolis Art Center, ArtSparkle.   Judy was involved in the American Cancer Society, where she was a founding member and served as treasurer for the Indianapolis American Cancer Society Guild.  Also, Judy was a board member of the Day Nursery, Indiana’s oldest and largest early childhood education non-profit.  She was an avid reader and a devoted member of the Junior League Book-club.

Judy was a member of Old Bethel United Methodist Church where she later taught Sunday school.  She and her parents enjoyed summer vacations on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, IN where she developed her love for lake life.  She shared her love for the lake with Ted after they married and they subsequently purchased a home on Lake Syracuse.  Frank Lloyd Wright inspired her love of design, and she brought to life this style in both of her homes in Indianapolis and Syracuse.  Judy had a brilliant sense of style.  Her décor, her homes and her attire were always impeccable.  She was always proud of her husband Ted, who contributed to selecting her wardrobe.  Throughout the years, she designed and renovated six homes.

Judy and her parents traveled the world.  Her love of travel began when they visited her brother, Dick Morford, whose career was with the Foreign Service.  They visited Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and France.  Judy and Ted continued to travel the world which included several cruises on the Queen Mary II, as well as multiple trips to Europe and Asia.  They developed a love of all things Disney enjoying annual visits to Orlando as well.

One of Judy’s many passions was entertaining clients and friends who were the recipients of Judy’s learned skills from studying at the Culinary Institute of America in New York.  Highlights of the year were two events hosted by Judy and Ted, an annual fall bonfire and their December Holiday Open House. Guests of the holiday event were treated to a gourmet meal and delectable desserts made by Judy herself.   All left with cookies to go (800 made annually) and homemade treats for their guest’s canine family members.  Additionally, Judy and Ted enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their lake home during the summer and especially on July 4^th.

Perhaps Judy’s greatest passion was time spent with her girlfriends. From the “Kool Kat” Club, that met monthly, to “The Girls”, a group of nine friends that she met at the age of 14.  These life-long best friends, despite living in multiple states, have never left each other’s hearts.  For over 40 years, these girls continue to see each other through trips to the lake, weekend getaways, and multiple cruises. A final trip together with Judy was an amazing holiday excursion to Chicago this past November.

Judy had a love for animals that was unmatched.  Often times Judy found dogs….but sometimes the dogs found her.  Jasmine was one of her favorite strays to stumble on to their property.  She was truly Judy’s soul mate.  She and Ted also rescued many beagles over the years.

In the late afternoon of March 12^th, her family and friends witnessed a rainbow encircling their residence.  This majestic rainbow lasted 25 minutes, welcoming Judy to her heavenly home.  She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband Ted, her brother Richard and wife Yoko Morford, and niece and nephew Christy and Dr. Kenny Morford, and her fur babies, Jasmine, Big Boy Joe, J.B, Brady and Josie.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Martha Morford.

A private family service is being held, with a celebration of life to follow this summer, at the Indianapolis Arts Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

• Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67^th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220  www.indplsartcenter.org

• Susan G. Komen Central Indiana  www.komencentralindiana.org