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Judith Kooistra Obituary
age 50, of Canton, passed away on Thursday night, Dec. 8, 2011. She was born in Cortland, New York and was raised in Kent, Ohio. She graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School, Kalamazoo College and Kent State University where she earned her MLS Degree. Judy was a Collection Development Librarian and Associate Professor for Libraries and Media Services at Kent State University, Stark Campus. She was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church where she served as a Stephen Minister. Judy was a blogger and enjoyed writing. She was supportive for many with breast cancer, research and funding. She was very passionate about international adoption and adopted her son, Nate, from Ha Tinh, Vietnam in 2002.
She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Frank; and son Nate; mother Shirley Ohles of Sandusky; brother Fred (Rosemary) Ohles of Lincoln, Neb.; sisters Janet Ohles of Carmel, N.Y., Margaret (Bob) Black of Port Clinton, Ohio; brother-in-law John Kooistra of Fairbanks, Ark; sister-in-law Karen Callahan of Akron; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father John F. Ohles.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 5155 Eastlake St., NW, North Canton, OH 44720, with Rev. Tom Houston officiating. Then, the family would like you to join them following the service in the church fellowship hall for a time of sharing luncheon. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Pink Houses of Hope or to John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Arnold 330-456-7291
www.arnoldfuneralhome.com\
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Judith Kooistra
Jennifer Loewenstein
June 12, 2012
It is a sobering commentary on how busy I've been that I only today found out about Judy Ohles. I remember her very well from Freshman Year (and later) at Kalamazoo College, where she was a quiet, conscientious, and searching soul. I remember staying with Judy one night after she'd had a very bad day. We talked long into the night and she told me about her experience living in Ecuador & how close she'd gotten to her family there. Judy was not always certain where she was going, but she never ceased looking. I believe, from reconnecting on facebook some time ago, that she had found much of what she was looking for. I didn't know about her son, Nate, but am happy that he had such a loving mother. Judy, I'll always remember your radiant smile, sitting in between Barb & Nan on one of the couches in Trowbridge Hall's second floor lounge. You looked so spirited and so happy. I'll also never forget your comment to me when I asked what your prognosis was after you'd been diagnosed with cancer. Were they saying it was terminal? I asked. You sent a loving, laughing message back saying, "We're all terminal, Jennifer." I'll never forget that response. It seems to me you got the perspective you were looking for - in the best sense - way back when. I am so happy for you and will pray for you and your family. - Jen (Sarin)
kris
December 22, 2011
i never met judy in 'real' life but knew her from her blog. she fought hard and i hope she is at peace now. prayers to the family.
Tina Inks
December 16, 2011
Frank & Nate, my deepest sympathies are with you at this sad time. I know happy, funny memories will be a comfort and I hope that peace finds your broken hearts. I will miss Judy's exquisite wit, hysterical humor, and warm heart and am thankful to have known her in this life. Thinking of you and keeping you in prayer, Tina Inks
Jen Nickel
December 15, 2011
Judy, and her voice through her writings and her posts on facebook will be so missed. Many, many prayers and thoughts for your family. These days are dark without her.
Victoria Ehmcke
December 15, 2011
Jude, you fought the worst fight, and you fought it well. I am thankful for having had you in my life. It was lovely knowing you, it was great meeting you all those years ago and it was wonderful to be able to catch up over the last couple of years.
All my love to Frank and Nate. Wishing them peace and strength in these sad days.
Roe Ruggiero Callaghan
December 14, 2011
Judy, you will be missed by all your Face Book friends. I wish you love and Peace forever. Look down on Nate, and Frank, and be their guiding light forever.
Katie Houston
December 14, 2011
Judy you will be remembered as a strong woman that fought very hard. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Rick Facenbaker
December 14, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers for Frank, Nate and family.
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Sara Gozdan
December 14, 2011
Judy brought much joy and laughter to life. She was an inspiration to many. There are people in your life who have a certain affect on you that your life will be changed for the better...forever...Judy was that person. Frank and Nate, my condolences on your loss. She will be missed by many as she was loved by so many.
Karen G
December 13, 2011
Hello,
I never met Judy; however I admired her writing, and especially her commitment to her family.
A friend of mine also has IBC, and that's how I found Judy's blog.
Praying that Judy's family and friends find peace in this very difficult time.
Karen G
Mary Penney
December 13, 2011
Dear Frank, Nate and Family,
Judy will remain a shining light in my life. She was an incredible person and it was an honor to know her. She was always upbeat and positive, so it is even more difficult to think that she is no longer on earth. There is a star in the sky with her twinkle - you can be sure. God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Mary Lubelski Penney
Lee Holliday
December 12, 2011
The entire Holliday family offers our prayers to all of Judith's family.
Alanna Updegraff
December 12, 2011
Frank,
I wish I were as eloquent as you and could capture the range of emotions I'm feeling and things I want to say to you. My heart hurts for you and Nate. Thank you for sharing your family, and Judy, with me. You are a great dad with an amazing son, and I find some comfort in knowing you have each other.
Alanna Updegraff
December 12, 2011
Nate,
This really stinks! I know how badly your mom wanted to be here on earth and a part of your everyday life until you were grown up, and I can't imagine how sad or mad or confused or scared you might be feeling right now. I also know that your mom worked really hard filling your heart with her love and that you did the same for her – and that will last forever. Your mom was a really really special person, and an even more special mom. I will miss her. The only thing that makes me feel a little better is knowing that there are so many people out there - your dad and everyone else who loved your mom and who loves you - who will take care of you and keep you safe. Only a little better though - I'm still really sad.
Margie Perscheid
December 12, 2011
To Frank, Nate and Judy's family: My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you as you navigate this hard, sad time. Please take comfort in knowing that Judy made many lives better with her wit, intelligence, and tireless efforts to make the world a better place. Everyone who knew her will miss her.
Laurie Anderson
December 12, 2011
I only knew Judy through Facebook, but her life was an inspiration to read about. She had a wonderful life. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Teri Boscia
December 12, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you Frank and Nate. Judy is such a loving person and so full of laughter. I never saw her when she wasn't laughing or getting rid to laugh. This world has lost a wonderful person.
Marley Greiner
December 12, 2011
Nate, Frank, and the rest of Judy's family:" I am so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. I only met Judy once, but I read her blog for years. She was the voice of sanity in an often unsane place. Judy was one of a kind.
Katie Celce
December 12, 2011
Frank and Nate~ I am so very sorry for your loss. When Judy walked into a room, you couldn't help but smile. I will never forget her lunch time visits with Nate. Her sitting on the floor with Nate bouncing like crazy in her arms and both of them laughing and enjoying the moment! She was a loving, wonderful woman and she will be dearly missed! Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!
Katie Celce (from Nate's preschool)
Ruby Groves
December 12, 2011
Frank, Nate, and the rest of Judy's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you ... and will continue to be with you. May sweet, happy, funny, joyful, memories of Judy sustain you.
Office of Alumni Relations
December 12, 2011
On behalf of the Kalamazoo College community, please accept our condolences on Judy's passing. The Class of 1983 will miss their classmate and friend.
December 12, 2011
It was a pleasure to get to know Judy through our Sunday School class. Although we didn't get to know each other well it was easy to see Jesus in her life. We will miss her. Bob McLaughlin.
bud middleton
December 12, 2011
Our condolences to Frank, Nate , and family.
Bud and Debbie Middleton
Susan
December 11, 2011
I never met Judy in person but have followed her blog for years. My deepest sympathy to her family; it was clear from her writing that she loved you all very much.
Carol Blundell
December 11, 2011
Judy, your bright smile and cheerfulness will be very sorely missed, as well as your planking in the library.
Jane Reiter
December 11, 2011
Our condolences to sister Janet and the entire family on Judy's passing. A sad time for the loss of a wonderful woman, Jane and Tim Watters
Beth Johnson-Myers
December 11, 2011
I am saddened as memories of one of my best childhood friends fill my mind. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband and son, Frank and Nate. Though I never actually met them, through Facebook, I felt like I had. I know that Judy will be greatly missed.
Shari Elliott
December 11, 2011
Although I met Judy back in June, we became friends very quickly. I so loved her sense of humor and love of life and spirit. Judy, we will miss you dear sweet angel. Much love, Shari Elliott (FL)
Kaite and Dan Patterson
December 11, 2011
The entire Mosher extended family offers our most sincere love and sympathy. Judy's amazing personality and spirit will live on. Our hearts are with you now and in the weeks to come.
December 11, 2011
Peace and blessings to Judy and her family. Classmate, '79. Kris Ewing
Diane Licholat-Surati
December 11, 2011
Judy's thoughtful conversation, dedication to her family and life's work, and heart-warming laugh will be profoundly missed. It was a blessing to know her from college onward.
Cindy
December 11, 2011
Judy was an angel, warrior, mistress of the written word and a true friend. As suggested by a classmate and fellow warrior, the Kent Roosevelt Class of 1979, there will be no need for angels to top our trees this year. We already have ours. Bless you Judy and your family.
Jayne Moneysmith
December 11, 2011
Judy has been one of the brightest lights of my life for many years, as co-worker and friend. She was funny, generous, profound, charming--and always, even in her darkest moments, full of compassion and love. She touched so many people through her writing. And that smile. . . who could resist that radiant smile? I will always love her, always keep her in my heart. My deepest condolences to her family. Blessings on her soul.
Carla Wolford/htel Bac
December 11, 2011
She will be missed..... With her happy heart and great smile she lives on in all of us...
signed School mate and friend
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