Judy Box Bastani passed away peacefully in her home in Paducah on December 28th, 2024; she was 72.
Judy was born at Riverside Hospital in Paducah on August 16th, 1952. Judy's life was a remarkable journey defined by a love for exploration, a deep connection to others and a relentless pursuit of every goal she set for herself.
Judy reveled in the beauty of the world around her and the people she met along the way. Whether traveling abroad or engaging with her vibrant community in Paducah, she was always seeking new experiences and relationships. Her spirit of adventure led her to explore cultures, art and cuisine around the globe, with France holding a particularly special place in her heart. Her zest for life was contagious, inspiring everyone around her to embrace the world and its people with empathy and openness.
Judy was a proud graduate of Lone Oak High School and then Murray State University, where she met and fell in love with her husband of 50 years, Max. Judy’s intellectual curiosity was matched only by her deep love for her family and friends as well as her desire to make a difference in her community. She and Max channeled their entrepreneurial spirit into running several restaurants in the area but were most well known for The Pines restaurant, which was a local staple for over two decades before opening Max's Brick Oven Café, where her warmth and hospitality made all the staff and guests feel like family. It was here, at Max’s, in the heart of historic downtown Paducah, that her love for people and culture truly shone.
Judy was deeply devoted to her husband, Max Bastani, and their three children, Laila, Camron and Cyrus and his wife Lakyn. She was especially proud of her two grandchildren, Kaycee and Aulora Grace, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by one sister, Linda Walton and husband Jeff of Boulder Creek, California and one brother, Allan Box and his wife Sheila of Paducah, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Johnny and Betty Box, who instilled in her a legacy of kindness and generosity, values she carried throughout her life.
Judy brought joy, laughter and light everywhere she went. Those who knew Judy will remember her for her keen intellect, adventurous spirit, attention to detail and her ability to connect with anyone. She was as comfortable navigating a game of bridge as she was having deep conversations or taking care of a restaurant full of guests. She took it all in her stride. Judy's greatest accomplishment was the life she created with Max; one filled with love, fulfillment, and a commitment to living fully each day!
Judy's endearing memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the great honor of knowing her. Her one of a kind laugh, her smile and her numerous catchphrases will always live on. Her boundless curiosity of the world and all its cultures as well as her love of her employees, past and present, her friends and her family will continue to inspire generations to come.
Services will begin with a visitation at 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Nicole Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery.
You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
