How Many Siblings Do You Have? Navigating Sibling Loss with Judy Lipson

Grief Out Loud

In this episode, we talk with Judy Lipson, author of A Celebration of Sisters. Judy shares her journey of sibling loss, reflecting on the deaths of her sisters—Margie, who died of anorexia, and Jane, who died in a car crash—and how their absence shaped her identity. She opens up about the complexities of sibling grief, the impact of Margie's long battle with an eating disorder, and the moment when the grief she had pushed aside for so long finally caught up with her.

Through writing, ice skating, and organizing a fundraiser in their honor, Judy found ways to reconnect with her sisters and keep their memory alive. She also discusses the evolving landscape of sibling grief support and how sharing her story has helped others navigate their own losses.

We Discuss:

• Growing up as the middle of three sisters
• The shock of losing Jane when Judy was 25, and then Margie nine years later
• The challenges of grieving while balancing responsibilities
• How ice skating and philanthropy became outlets for her grief
• The changing landscape of sibling grief support
• What she’s most proud of in her grief process

Resources & Links:

• Judy Lipson’s Website: judylipson.org
• Subscribe to Judy’s Substack: judylipson.com
• Book: A Celebration of Sisters – Available on Amazon and local bookstores
• Dougy Center Resources: dougy.org