Judy Mallett McKay
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Judy Mallett McKay, 78, of Tierra Verde, Florida, died peacefully on June 1 after an extended battle with cancer, a battle she fought fiercely with optimism and grace. She was born on March 26, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. She was the daughter of Robert Alfred Mallett Jr. and Eleanor Thomas Mallett. She was a relentless optimist and a wanderer at heart, always looking for her next
adventure.
She is survived by her husband and love of over 40 years, David Logan, who was both her co-pilot in life and in travel. She is also survived by her twin sons Jim McKay (Claudia Raymer) and Tom McKay (Shelia McKay); her brother Robert Mallett III (Dianne Mallett) and sister Wendy Mallett Lantis (Bob Lantis); her grandchildren Jake McKay (Karlee McKay), Jonah McKay, Hope Humble (Nick Humble), and Noah McKay (Madison McKay); and her many nieces and nephews, relatives and close friends who were fortunate to share in her life. Her legacy lives on in the next generation of McKays, with a great-grandson, J.J. McKay (Jacob McKay Jr.), expected later this month. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Bonnie Mallett Hogan.
Judy lived a full and varied life. She approached everything she did with purpose, compassion, resilience, and determination. She was a mom, a grandma, a Marine Corps wife, an elementary school aide and substitute teacher, a travel agent, a business executive, a writer, and a cancer survivor. She was a dreamer, a doer, a storyteller, and a cheerleader for everyone she loved. She cared deeply, showed up for people in quiet ways, and had a gift for making others feel seen and remembered.
Judy met David in the early 1980s, and together they shared a life full of laughter, exploration, and memorable moments. After more than three decades together, they married in 2016. Together, they crisscrossed the country and the world. Their journeys took them from the backroads of Tennessee to visiting waterfalls in West Virginia to a hot air balloon mishap in Africa (rescued by Maasai warriors, no less). Judy laughed even then, especially then, grateful for the moment and the story.
Judy’s business career reflected her sense of adventure and her entrepreneurial spirit. She worked as a travel agent, then rose to become Vice President and Director of Training at a large travel agency, where she trained franchisees across the country. She later launched her own company, Ideas Unlimited. She loved helping people chase their dreams, no matter how big or small. More than anything, she cared about the people themselves: their stories, their goals, and the joy she could help them find along the way.
She wrote two books: Sell More, a marketing guide for small business owners and entrepreneurs, and My Ta-Tas Were Fine: I Had Cancer Down There, a bold, funny, unflinching memoir of her first cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ultimate remission. She was cancer-free for over 15 years and spent much of that time spreading hope to others — especially through her “Cancer and Hope Go Hand in Hand” Facebook community.
She hiked mountains. She said “yes” to new experiences, even when they scared her. She sent postcards to commemorate each stop along the way.
She radiated joy. She made the best of things — not because life was easy, but because she insisted on finding the positive in it anyway.
Judy lived fully and believed in making memories every single day.
She did just that—with her grandkids, her friends, her husband, her neighbors, and everyone lucky enough to know her. She showed us all that a person can be strong and tender, brave and silly, independent and loving, all at the same time.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 5, 2025, at Lake Seminole Park (Picnic Shelter #12) in St. Petersburg, Florida, one of her favorite places to hike, think, and simply be.
Bring your stories. Bring your laughter. Judy would want it that way.
Her favorites – burnt hot dogs, potato chips, and green M&Ms – will be served.
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What a beautiful tribute to your mom. We send our condolences to all that loved her and we send prayers for healing the empty space in your hearts as you celebrate her life.
I never met Judy, but know of her through the impact she made on the life of my friend Bob, her younger brother Robert A Mallett III. Apparently Judy was an incredibly strong positive influence for Bob, and always supportive to him throughout his life. I believe he told me that there had never been a cross word between them, which anyone with siblings knows how rare a thing that is, and something to be cherished and admired. Bob started telling me about Judy last fall after her diagnosis became known, and spoke glowingly of how important a life force she had been to him. He also asked for help with something he knew to be near and dear to her heart, which was being appreciative of and thankful for the selfless work of our first responder community. He asked close friends if they could help by donating some baked goods to a local first responder group in their own community, and get a picture with them for Bob to show his beloved older sister, to show her how this pet project of hers was spreading and growing around the country. This really touched me and I now enjoy spreading Judy’s appreciation whenever I can, and I find it incredibly fulfilling and inspiring. So thank you Judy Mallett McKay for being such a great older sister to my good friend Bob. I know he’s a better person for having you in his life, and I think we should all be so lucky. God bless
An amazing tribute to an Amazing women. She was truly a person that walked the walk, and had a heart of caring. We all are Blessed to have known her. She will be missed.
She sure loved life and people! What a lovely tribute to her.
A lovely tribute to a wonderful person! Her absence will leave a void in the lives of all of us who were fortunate enough to have known her. I’m not much for goodbyes, so I’ll just say, see you on the other side, Miss Moonshine. Say hello the many loved ones who were there to welcome you home!
What a wonderful soul…may the lord bring peace to all. Especially, my ‘uncle by marriage’ David! ‘May the traveler continue on in peace and serenity’…
Judy and Dave have been our friends for over 40 years, from East Tennessee to St. Pete FL, and we received many postcards from their travels, as well as kind words of support when battling cancer.
We are blessed to have known Judy and to share in her joy for life and her love of everyone she encountered. She lives on in the hearts of everyone she touched.
Jim and family,
These beautiful words paint the picture of a life well-lived and a soul at peace with what they have contributed to the world. Thank you for sharing her story with us. Thinking of you all and sending heartfelt condolences and comfort.
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. She was so very much loved. I will truly miss her. 💔🙏
How did I just now realize that my dad and your mom had the same birthday? I have so many fond memories of your mom, and a world of Facebook post that I’ve kept us connected over all of these years. She was an early cheerleader of Mike and I, and I still remember the minute that I knew he was the one., was laying in the floor of her and Dave’s condo in Clearwater area.
What a gift it is to have had Judy for my sister. Ever-inspiring, hopeful, supportive and encouraging, she taught me to embrace life with gusto and joy. I cherish every moment I had with her and will forever keep her in my heart.
Ah Jim what a beautiful remembrance of your Mom. Wish I had been lucky enough to know her.
Remembering Judy and her infectious smile that she shared with all everyone she knew and loved.❤️