Judith Alison Lee, beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, and legal pioneer, passed away in Bolton Valley, Vermont on May 13, 2025, at age 62. Born on October 20, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, Judith lived a life of purpose, grace, and generosity. Her deep spirituality and commitment to personal growth guided much of her life. She was a devoted Theravadan Buddhist practitioner. Judith was also a proud Democrat and an active supporter of progressive causes and politicians in Virginia and beyond. She lived her life with modesty and humor. She carried herself with quiet humility, always choosing sincerity and meaningful connection over showiness or extravagance. She was playful and silly at times, yet equally ambitious, driven, and unwavering in her convictions. Judith was a woman of great depth—one who embraced the world with open arms, fierce intelligence, and a kind heart.
Graduating in 1980 from West Springfield High School in Springfield Virginia, Judith then earned an undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1984, majoring in Chinese language, culture, and politics. She continued her studies in Taiwan at the prestigious Donghai University becoming fluent in Mandarin. Judith received her law degree in 1987 from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William and Mary.
Judith became a respected partner at the Washington, DC office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, co-chairing the International Trade Regulation and Compliance Practice Group, and using her valued skills in international trade law, blockchain transactions, and import-export compliance for multinational corporations. The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and other media outlets often invited Judith to explain complex international trade issues to their audiences. Judith’s mentorship of other female attorneys had an integral impact on their achievement within the company.
As a passionate supporter of the arts, Judith served on the board of directors at Washington Performing Arts from 2004 to 2009, serving on both the Artistic Direction, and Legal Committees. She has sponsored various performers from the Washington Ballet, the Chautauqua Institution, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and was a founding member of the National Ballet of Costa Rica. Judith played piano throughout her life, teaching her children to read music and play piano as well.
A proud citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Judith was predeceased by her parents Bill and Joann Ott, and leaves in grief and love her husband Robert Machado, her children Stuart Lee, Jacqueline Lee, and Yohanes Lee, her brothers David and Stuart Ott and their families, and countless friends, colleagues, and loved ones across the globe.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Judith’s memory to any of the following: The Washington Buddhist Vihara Society, The Pannasiha LION OF WISDOM Meditation Center, The Washington Performing Arts, The Washington Ballet.
Judith will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Full obituary on Legacy.