Judy Dayton Memoriam

Judy Dayton

(1927-2021)

The Minnesota Opera family joins the many individuals and arts organizations in the state of Minnesota and beyond in remembering and celebrating the life of Judy Dayton. Judy, the generous, ambitious, and passionate arts lover committed to advancing the Twin Cities arts and cultural communities, passed away on August 11, 2021 at the age of 94.

Judy was a long-time board member at Minnesota Opera with her first term beginning in 1968.

In 2001, after 30 years of dedication to the company, she was elected as a Director Emeritus. Judy supported all Minnesota Opera programs with great enthusiasm. She served as a member of the New Works Initiative and was an exuberant supporter of the Resident Artist Program from its inception. As with every organization she supported, Judy left an indelible mark on Minnesota Opera. While our organization will never be the same without her, Judy’s passion and generosity will continue to burn bright as our organization, and the entire Twin Cities arts community, continues to thrive in the years to come.

PRESIDENT AND GENERAL DIRECTOR RYAN TAYLOR ALONGSIDE JUDY DAYTON - PHOTO BY THERESA MURRAY