Judy Levi

Judy Levi had a full and sometimes challenging life. She retired in 1991 from University College Hospital, where she supervised breastfeeding practice on the labour ward, postnatal wards, and paediatric ward.

She was the first child of David and Vera Levi. Her parents were pioneers in their respective areas. Her mother was the first female journalist to work as a lobby correspondent in parliament. Her father was a renowned surgeon, who, as well as working in 10 hospitals and a large private practice, could teach and draw anatomy with both hands symmetrically and simultaneously. Judy came from a determined power couple.

But her childhood was far from straightforward. In her own words, Judy was “a shy girl with a sheltered upbringing.” When she was 5 years old, her younger sister, Wendy, died aged …