Longtime Malibu resident and Realtor Judy Van Schoyck passed away at home on Thursday, Oct. 8 after a battle with cancer. She was 70 years old.
Born in New York City on June 19, 1945 to Roger and Doris Van Schoyck, Judy was the eldest of four children. Her father was the director of handbag and shoe company Roger Van S, and her mother was the company’s designer. The family lived in Manhattan before relocating to Franklin Lakes, N.J.
Judy attended an all-girls Catholic high school and then studied political science at the all-women’s Trinity College in Washington, D.C. After a brief stint at a brokerage firm on Wall Street, she relocated to the tropical climes of Palm Beach, Fla.
“Judy was a firm believer in enjoying life to the fullest,” a family member said. She sailed around the Florida Keys and Bahamas while hosting fishing trips, dinner parties and island-hopping sojourns with friends. When she was not at sea, Judy organized gala balls and charity events and traveled all over the U.S. and Europe as a backgammon champion.
Judy moved to California in the late 1970s, where she quickly became a well-known on the Malibu scene. She started up a business as an interior designer and then began a 25-year career as a Realtor. Judy served on homeowner boards and worked with the Kiwanis Club in the early days of the Chili Cook-Off.
“She created a large, beautiful family of friends,” a loved one shared.
Judy is survived by her brothers, Stephen and Peter Van Schoyck, her sister, Sandy Ferrer, seven nieces and nephews, two goddaughters, dogs Kimiko and Billye, and many friends.
A service in Judy’s memory will take place at Our Lady of Malibu church on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. in celebration of “eternal friendship.”
“We cherish you, Judy,” a family member shared. “We are so grateful for the life, laughter and love you always shared with us. We love you more.”