Memories of Chessiecon Past

Websites for Past Chessiecons

2014: Tamora Pierce, Tom Smith, Theresa Mather
2015: Seanan McGuire, Ursula Vernon, Heather Dale
2016: Sarah Pinsker, Tabitha Ladin, S. J. Tucker
2017: Ada Palmer, Megan Willis, T.J. Burnside Clapp
2018: Jo Walton, Dr. Mary Crowell
2019: not held
2020 (virtual): Charlie Jane Anders, Tom Smith
2021 (virtual): Danielle Ackley-McPhail
2022: Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Blibbering Humdingers

Remembering Judy

by Jeraldine Rorstrom-Lee (originally published in the Darkover 36 program book)

Judy Gerjuoy was one of those “larger than life” people who defied labels and boxes. Every person who met her would have a different story or perception. Love or hate her, those who met Judy would never forget her as she did not inspire insipid reactions from anyone. Judy had a feisty personality that was both engaging and very challenging at times, especially to those friends in her inner circle. She could be an “irascible coot”, according those closest to her, but at the same time, they would not have dreamed of living without her. Her friends were deeply committed to her, as she was to them.

Judy had her fingers in many pies (she was never content to be a bystander in life). But her greatest impact on many of those here today was through the friendships she built in the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) and as a science fiction/fantasy fan and supporter.

When Judy first joined the SCA in New Jersey, she took the SCA name and persona Jaelle of Armida, which she used throughout her life. Possibly this name came through her association with Marion Zimmer-Bradley (who did use Judy’s name as a character in one of her novels; she appeared as a nurse). Judy became very active in the SCA, receiving a Laurel in cooking and a Pelican for service. These are the highest earned honors in the Society. Within the Society she had a drive to serve and brought many of us into that world with her.

Judy relocated to DC where she became renowned in the SCA as an autocrat of innumerable and memorable feasts. She developed an encyclopedic and impressive knowledge of the art and history of heraldry, becoming the Principal Herald for the entire SCA. When Judy moved to Finland to be with her much beloved husband Tero Heikkinen, she spread her love of Heraldry across the Great Pond to Drachenwald (the European SCA Kingdom). She remained in the thick of Heraldry and SCA politics (there and here), even from across the Ocean.

In the late 1970’s while living in New York, New Jersey and Delaware, Judy had developed friendships with noted science fiction authors Marion Zimmer Bradley, Jacqueline Lichtenberg and Jean Lorrah, among others. From these friendships and her great interest and love of science fiction, DarkoverCon was born. She helped
form the Armida Council – (another legacy of her SCA life) – and drew on her SCA family to help build her dream to create a small, intimate convention where female writers were the focal point. The guest of honor at DarkoverCon has always been a woman, sometimes appearing with a spouse or partner, in order to share their talent with the diverse fandom that the Con developed over the years.

Yet, DarkoverCon remained distinctly the creation of Judy’s eclectic mind and interests. It was her private party, where the fandom has always been welcome guests. The unique characteristics of the Con appealed to a wide and diverse audience. It has always been a welcoming, loving and accepting conference. DarkoverCon embraced the concepts of inclusion, accessibility and diversity well before the culture adopted these contemporary touchstones of humanity. Charles Butler, aka Cadwan Galwiddoe, Judy’s dear and longtime friend, described the convention as a place where the diverse fandom is a chosen family where the members do not have to apologize for being human. Through DarkoverCon, Judy met and assisted other Conventions such as Gaylaxicon…

DarkoverCon has always been held on the days immediately following Thanksgiving mainly to celebrate family. The weekend was the perfect way to welcome the DarkoverCon fandom, Judy’s chosen family, to celebrate life with each other. We will truly miss having her in our lives. I more than most, as the impact she
had on my life cannot be measured by any one standard.

Turkey Award Moments