By Julie Marrinucci
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
After nearly six decades behind the wheel, on June 18th, school bus driver Judy Brown drove her “kids” to and from school for the very last time. Following 58 years of service to Westwood, she’s ready to do more of what she truly loves - sewing, reading, and activities with family.
Born in Somerville, MA, Brown has lived in Westwood for most of her life - raising two children and enjoying quality time with her four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Brown began driving in the late 1960’s to earn enough for a very specific goal. “I wanted a swimming pool in the yard and my husband said if I wanted it, I’d have to pay for it. So that’s exactly what I did,” she explained. “I knew the bus coordinator, asked if there were any openings, and started right away. At that time, there were no requirements, no training - they gave you the key and said go!”
What was supposed to be a short-lived job became a long career of transporting kids to just about every school in town - elementary through high school. She stayed in the job so long because of the easy schedule and the fact that she never had to miss activities with her own children.
One equally important reason she kept driving: “I had such great kids,” she said. “I would do anything I could for the kids on my bus. I always wanted them to get off the bus happy. I was definitely for the kids 100%.”
So much so that Brown would go back to their homes many times for a forgotten book, assignment or instrument. She’d also carry a supply box with extra pens, pencils, rulers, whatever the kids might need that day.
But don’t think that Brown was a pushover. She kept order with a set of strict rules: sit in your seats, put cellphones away, no loud talking, etc.
“A bus driver needs 100% concentration, especially in bad weather conditions. I had rules and they knew exactly what I expected of them,” Brown said.
These rules, consistently enforced, helped Brown earn a spotless 58-year safety record, an accomplishment she’s most proud of. She credits Westwood parents and faculty for always being supportive whenever any issues arose.
Brown says she’s going to enjoy her summer, but when those school buses start rolling out in September, she’ll definitely have mixed feelings. “I’ll miss the kids,” she said. “But I’m happy, too. I plan to be at the Muffin House having a nice big blueberry muffin, and I’ll wave as the buses go by!”
