Judy McCarthy Olsson was a 1962 graduate of Chelmsford High School. While she did spend a short period of time in Colorado while her husband Carl A. Olsson attended college, Judy and Carl returned to Chelmsford to begin their careers and to eventually raise their two children, Erik and Maryellen, in the town where they both grew up and shared many cherished friendships as well as family. Judy was born on August 23, 1943, the youngest of the four children of the late Charles F. and Mary E (Farley) McCarthy. During her entire life-time, she remained in close contact with the many friends she made throughout her education in the Chelmsford Public Schools.

Judy, being a true people-person, earned the respect, trust, and friendship of many people whom she met socially or during her position for sixteen years at the Middlesex County Registry of Deeds or later during her twenty two years as clerk in the Tax Collector’s Office of the Chelmsford Town Hall. Judy greeted each person she met with a sincere hello underscored by her warm smile. Judy became recognized at Town Hall as a town employee who dedicated herself to helping people by listening calmly and actively investigating their concerns. Judy was proud to serve the people of her home town.

Her dedication to the Town of Chelmsford went beyond her professional career. Judy undertook a long history of community service. As a board member of Camp Paul, she organized fundraisers with her many friends to establish permanent camp buildings and a summer program for special needs children. Judy also served as a founding board member of the Friends of Southwell Park, which ran fundraisers for the development of playground equipment and softball and soccer fields. Her other community service projects included membership in the Chelmsford High School Alumni Association, membership on the Chelmsford Democratic Town Committee, a Town Meeting Representative, and chairman and member of the Chelmsford Board of Registrars. Judy also served as a Eucharistic Minister and on the Adult Education Board for St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was baptized and later married.

Judy’s family and friends have created this scholarship to continue the legacy of Judy McCarthy Olsson – a person who spoke up for others, who believed in second chances, who valued friendships and family, and who encouraged public service by giving back and working for what is right.