Winter Springs, Florida - Judith Ann Hadley, 79, of Lafayette, Louisiana, Key West, Florida and Winter Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend to many, Judy will be remembered most for her sharp intellect, bold spirit, and the generosity she poured into her loved ones, her students, and her community over the course of her life.

Born on September 4, 1946, in New Iberia, Louisiana, Judy was the cherished daughter of Myrtle and Harold McManus and sister to James and John McManus. From a young age, she exhibited both intelligence and determination - qualities that would come to define her life and career. She pursued higher education with tenacity, earning both her bachelor's degree and MBA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Judy found her true calling in teaching and spent 32 impactful years as a Speech and Debate teacher at Lafayette High School. To her students, she was not only an educator but also a mentor and advocate, pushing each one to believe in their own potential. Known for her stubborn streak, willingness to challenge and a dangerously accurate throwing arm, she instilled in her students the power of speaking up, standing firm, and embracing originality. For countless young people, Judy's classroom became a place of growth, creativity, and transformation - a legacy she leaves behind with pride.

After retiring to Key West, Florida, Judy poured her energy into community organizations close to her heart..meeting new people and sharing life's experiences wherever she went. In retirement, Judy extended her love for community and the arts by volunteering with organizations such as the Key West Toastmasters Club, the Key West Fringe Theater, and Tropic Cinema, immersing herself in the vibrant cultural community she so adored.

Judy is survived by her husband, Francis Hadley; her daughter, Amy Hadley; her granddaughter, Ella; and her brothers, James and John McManus. She was preceded in death by her son, Craig Hadley, and her parents, Myrtle and Harold McManus.

A service to celebrate Judy's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana. A reception will follow at a private residence, where family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of her extraordinary legacy.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Judith Ann Hadley at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com

Judith Ann Hadley and her family were cared for and entrusted with final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.