Judy L. Newberne, 59, of 33 Wildwood Drive, Bedford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 2, surrounded by family and friends at the Lahey Clinic after a brief illness. She was born on May 30, 1951 in Auburn AL, the daughter of Dr. Paul M. and Lillian E. (Kummer) Newberne. After relocating with her family to Massachusetts, when her father became a Professor at MIT, she attended Bedford High School and later received an AS from Dean Junior College, a BS from Northeastern University, a MPH from the Univ. of Minnesota, and a JD from Western New England College School of Law. Before attending law school, she was a detail salesman for Burroughs-Welcome, during which she met her future husband, John C. Serio of Northampton, MA, Both Ms. Newberne and her husband, John, attended Western New England College School of Law. They embarked upon their legal careers before they were married in October 1992, after a short ten year courtship, and went on to enjoy 18 special years together. After graduating from law school, Judy worked as an attorney at Goodwin Proctor, Boston as a litigator specializing in pharmaceutical matters. During her time at Goodwin Proctor, she became increasingly interested in the regulation of drug development and embarked upon a new career as Director of Regulatory Affairs at Ergo Science. She left Ergo to take a position of increasing responsibility at Cubist Pharmaceutical in regulatory affairs and helped gain approval of a novel antibiotic used to treat life threatening serious infections. Based upon her success at Cubist, Ms. Newberne was recruited to become Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs at Acambis in Cambridge, MA. In this position, she traveled extensively, working with the World Health Organization to establish global approvals and supplies for their smallpox vaccine. She was a strong believer in the development and use of pharmaceuticals to cure disease and improve the human condition. Judy was particularly sensitive and vigilant as to the safety of patients enrolled in clinical studies. Judy was fond of traveling and visited many countries before she was married, and also with her husband and parents. One of her favorite destinations was Bangkok, Thailand. Judy traveled to many parts of Thailand and, on several occasions, had the privilege of dining with members of the Thai Royal Family, for whom her father was a long time science advisor. She also traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa for both business and pleasure. Five years ago, Judy was diagnosed with cancer, but with the extraordinary skill and assistance of Dr Todd Schuster, MD, Dr. F.W. Nugent MD, and the dedicated nurses and staff at the Lahey Clinic, was able to become cancer free and remain in remission for four years. Last year, she had a setback, but once again was able to put the disease into remission until a recent recurrence which claimed her life. Her battle with cancer, after a grim initial diagnosis, was an inspiration to many people who were deeply touched by her life, her courage and her positive, indomitable spirit. She challenged and enriched the lives of all individuals she met, she loved cooking and entertaining and used her skills in these areas of expertise to further the joy of life to others. Judy spoke extensively to audiences around the country about her treatment experiences and, most recently, she was the Keynote Speaker for the Lahey Clinic Cancer Walk. Additionally, Judy relays her inspirational story on Lahey's website as one of their exceptional patients (http://www.lahey.org/About_Lahey/Patient_Stories/Judy_Newberne.aspx). She was a beloved daughter, loving wife, favorite aunt, trusted friend, and a gift to all that knew her. Judy is survived by her beloved husband, John; her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Paul Newberne of Bedford, MA, her sister, Jo C. Wood and her husband George, and her father-in-law, Cosimo A. Serio of Easthampton, MA. Ms. Newberne was a lover of all living things, and had a special fondness for dogs. She is survived by her saddened and loving companions Cookie, Lexford, Peanut, and Buttons. She is also survived and greatly missed by John's brothers and sisters and their spouses and children, including Joseph of Westminster, MA, and his children Elizabeth, Matthew, and Michelle; Michael of Sturbridge, MA, his wife, Jane, and their children Elena and Emily; Mary of Feeding Hills, MA, her husband, Bill Lownds, and their children Amy and Nicole; Paul of Northampton, MA, his wife, Amy, and their children, Andrew, Erin, and Patrick; Nancy, of West Hartford, CT, her husband, Marc Kitz, and their children Joseph and Rose. She is further survived by her niece and nephew, Emma and Evan Dombkowski of Bedford, MA. A celebration of a remarkable and inspiring life will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday morning, December 9, 2010 at the Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Team Judy Cancer Fund c/o Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA