Judy has passed. She was a wonderful force in the lives of many. She was my #1 fan forever. LOVE to you in heaven Judy.
Love Earth,
PEACE
Neil
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Judy Greenberg. Judy was one of Neil’s most devoted fans, the very first to subscribe to the Neil Young Archives, and ran an independent Facebook group with tens of thousands of Neil’s fans. She also contributed to the Times-Contrarian with member stories on our member page.
Judy was the very first subscriber to NYA.
From my conversations with her, she attended 11 of the Love Earth concerts this year and Harvest Moon. She also faced her fears of traveling alone to go to concerts in Canada.
Legal name is Judith Greenberg. She worked for the EPA where she started as a clerk-typist and was promoted as time went on. When she retired, her title was Environmental Protection Specialist. She worked for the EPA from the mid 70’s to 2020 when she retired.
City Lit Bookstore Chicago 9/22/2019
Photo by: Judy Greenberg
Judy arrived at the bookstore at 10:15am even though the book signing was not until 4pm.
Judy’s words about the photo and experience:
Such a thrill to be first in line to get my copy of the great new book
TO FEEL THE MUSIC by Neil Young and Phil Baker signed at City Lit Books in Chicago on 22 September 2019. Frank Gironda watched over protecting us. The story of Neil and Phil’s mission to save high quality audio in the digital age is a profile in courage and chutzpah.
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From Christine Ruda
She did 11 shows on the Love Earth Tour while facing major health issues. Then 1 more show at Painted Turtle, making it 12 shows for the year. She told me that Neil was the only thing that was keeping her going.
She spent and average of 15 hrs a day completely ingrossed in the group. When PONO’s came out she bought all that she could, just because Neil was into them…I believe she had 20.
She was first in line at his book signing I believe it was in 2018 or 19
And first in line at several shows. Her love for him ran very deep and our times together were spent talking about Neil for hours on end.
I’d like to add also that she helped dozens of people with ticket purchases and also bought NYA memberships for several people. Her generosity was unsurpassed
Truly his #1 fan
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From Robert Broadfoot:
RIP Judy Greenberg
When the light of time is on us
We will see our moment come
And the living soul will carry on
Light a candle in the darkness
So others might see the way
Light a candle in the darkness, when you go.
Judy passed from us on 16th December. In a tragic coincidence it was the anniversary of the passing of Nicolette Larson, another beautiful soul who died far too young.
Only a few short weeks ago, Judy received the totally unexpected news that she had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and that there was no hope she would survive. She told only a few of her closest friends and family while she decided what plans to make – especially in view of the large community she belonged to and which had become one of the main focuses of her life. No one, not even Judy, expected that her passing would come so soon and she was still making plans almost to the last.
Apart from the love for her own family, Judy lived for Neil, for his music, for her work for the Neil Young Archives and of course for her Facebook groups and all the wonderful people she got to know through them. Each and every one filled her with immense joy and a sense of purpose and fulfilment. When Neil heard of her serious illness, he wrote to her and Judy glowed with love and pride as she read out his words to a small circle of friends.
I think we all know that Judy would want her work and legacy to continue at all costs so we are now looking at the best ways to make that possible. Her work for her Facebook group needs no introduction or explanation. Everyone sensed her total commitment to it and she carried out her ‘guardian’ duties with respect and understanding and above all with love for the thousands of Neil fans with whom she came into contact. Love and only love.
With many of us, she also maintained direct, personal contact behind the scenes. She and I, like many others no doubt, had many lengthy exchanges over the last few years. We didn’t always agree on everything but there was always one absolute constant, her undying love and respect for Neil. I shall certainly miss our talks greatly as I am sure everyone will. It is simple testimony to her abilities as a leader and ambassador that her Facebook group, which had slumbered for a long time until she became Administrator at the end of 2017, grew from some 20,000 members to well over 40,000 in only five years under her careful leadership.
So let us continue Judy’s work and legacy out of respect and love for who she was and what she has achieved.
May her memory be a blessing and may peace and love be upon her.
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From Chris Pellico
A Tribute to Judy Greenberg
Passed away December 16, 2025
Judy Greenberg was a beautiful soul whose life was forever changed by a single moment—and who, in turn, helped preserve moments that mean the world to so many.
Judy met Neil Young at a book signing for Waging Heavy Peace, a meeting that would shape the next chapter of her life. At that very first encounter, Neil asked her if she would like to work for the Neil Young Archives. Judy said yes—and from that day forward, she poured her heart, dedication, and love into the work. She didn’t just help run the Archives; she helped bring its spirit to life, honoring the music, the history, and the legacy with extraordinary care.
She was a familiar and joyful presence at many of Neil’s live shows, not only as a devoted professional, but as one of his greatest fans. Judy’s passion was genuine, her enthusiasm infectious, and her commitment unwavering. From the day they met, her life was transformed, and she embraced that journey with gratitude and purpose.
On a personal level, Judy was so much more than her accomplishments. We spoke regularly, and I will always remember her kindness, warmth, and generosity of spirit. She was a wonderful person, a caring friend, and someone who truly made the world brighter simply by being in it.
Her passing is deeply saddening, and she will be profoundly missed. Judy Greenberg leaves behind a legacy of love, music, dedication, and humanity—one that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her and all who benefit from the work she so beautifully carried forward.