Judith Paige Hoffman Rauch, beloved wife, mother and an active member of the Newport News community died August 6, 2026, at age 82, from Alzheimer’s Disease.
Known fondly by all as ‘Judy’, she ran her family’s retail fashion store, The Betti-Paige Shoppe, for many years. An avid gardener and gracious host, she had a ready smile, southern charm and a kind word for everyone she met. She was devoted to her family and to her husband of 65 years, Gayle Marks Rauch.
Judy was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, where her father Maurice ‘Mushy’ Hoffman, worked at the shipyard and her mother Juanita Ambrose Hoffman attended nursing school. The family moved to Newport News after the war, and Judy attended Hilton Elementary, Riverside Elementary, and Ferguson Junior High. She graduated from Warwick High School in 1961 and attended William and Mary College.
Judy married Gayle in 1961 and was his inspiration all their married life. They raised three children together, and in 1975, they bought Judy’s family’s clothing shop. Judy was a natural at retailing and had an eye for style and fashion. She managed the store for seventeen years with her dear friend, Jackie Lewis. The two loved their buying trips to New York City to see the latest fashions and dine in trendy restaurants.
A member of the Junior League of Hampton Roads, Judy was active in community service. She served on the board of the Peninsula Fine Arts Center and was named an honorary trustee after her last term. Judy loved the arts and brought that passion on travels with Gayle through Europe. They visited art museums in every major city and small village they traveled to; her favorite was the Musee D’Orsay in Paris.
She was a lifelong member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church and served on the pre-school board of directors. She and her dear friend Nancy Horgan founded the flower guild there, training members in the art of flower arranging. They could sometimes be found parked by the roadside, gathering unusual flowers or plants.
To be in Judy’s garden – or at her dining table – was a delight. She was a gifted cook and spent many hours in the kitchen with her daughter, Paige, over the years preparing meals or lavish desserts. Together, they created a cookbook, “Judy and Paige Rauch’s James River Kitchen.”
In addition to Gayle, Judy is survived by her children, Robert Michael Rauch (Stefanie), David Marks Rauch (Shelley) and Paige Rauch Healy (Sean), her younger sister, Gail Hoffman Hornsby (Charles); grandchildren, Meredith Rauch Noftsinger (Ben), William Marks Rauch, Patrick Michael Healy, Ryan Matthew Healy, Melissa Hall, and great-granddaughter, Millie Margaret Noftsinger. In addition, she is survived by Jeanne Rauch Vlassic, Ellen Rauch, and Stamm Rauch (Rose).
Judy’s love and warmth were central to the family’s annual beach week at the Outer Banks, a wonderful summer gathering for over 50 years. Her optimism and kindness defined her life until she was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease. Even then, she kept her sunny disposition.
Her husband, family and friends will cherish her memory and know that she is arranging flowers in a better place.
A Memorial Service honoring the life of Judy will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church in Newport News. A reception will follow at James River Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial contribution to Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, Alzheimer’s Association, or a favorite charity.
