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Judith McFarland Body

1938 - 2015

Judith McFarland Body obituary, 1938-2015, Emmaus, PA

Judith Body Obituary

Body, Judith McFarlandJudith McFarland Body after three rounds with Cancer permanently left the ring on January 23, 2015. Judy was born in Evanston Illinois on January 1, 1938. She lived in California until fifth grade which helps explain her passion for the environment and healthy living. She spent her adolescent years in Wayne PA where she graduated from Radnor High School. She was voted best dressed which gives a chuckle to those who saw her on a daily basis in her black fleece jacket and yoga pants. She then embarked on her post graduate educational journey that started with Penn State University where she met her husband, John Body, to whom she was married for 49.75 years until his death in May of 2010. After Judy earned a BS in Human Development from Penn State she went on to graduate with her Masters in Elementary Education from Kutztown University. She finished her education with an Ed.S in Psychology from Lehigh University. Judy was extremely influential in the field of special education. She served on Governor Shapp's DD Advisory Council where she was instrumental in passing the Public Law 94- 192 which mandated education for all handicapped children. She was a well -recognized expert in the field of behavior modification and worked for the Carbon Intermediate Unit where she positively impacted the lives of hundreds of families that struggled with special needs children. Judy and her husband John left a huge footprint on the community with their numerous donations including LVHN's Body Family Medical Library, Phoebe Terrace, Good Shepherd Hospital, Parkland Community Library, Lehigh University and the Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled. Judy loved life and had a tremendous sense of humor that made being with her an unforgettable experience. Her eccentricities defined her and she made normality seem boring. From rummaging through people's garbage to bringing local businesses' trash to the recycling center she was constantly working to save the environment and make the world a better place. She was an architect of ingenuity with an uncanny ability to rig up solutions to any problem. She was a fitness enthusiast, an avid party dancer, a prolific gardener and a wildlife whisperer. Judy lived!! Survivors: Son- James Body of Allentown PA, Daughters- Wendy Body and husband Todd Ackerman of Emmaus PA and Kelsey Ackerman, Cindy Perosa and husband Rick from Orefield PA. Grandchildren, Kirby and Avery Perosa. She resided with her companion Robert Watson. Services: Celebration of Life: Judy and John were infamous for their parties and Judy is inviting everyone who has made her life so rich and fulfilling to Steel Stacks, 101 Founders Way Bethlehem, for a memorial service and celebration of life. March 1st 4pm-8pm. Arrangements by Bachman Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Emmaus. Contributions: In lieu of flowers please consider supporting: Friends of LBPH, 919 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19107 (honor of James H. Body on memo line) or Lehigh Valley Children's Health Centers, 1501 Lehigh St, Suite 208, Allentown PA 18103-3892.

Published by Morning Call on Jan. 25, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for Judith Body

Sponsored by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, P.C. - Emmaus.

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What a loss to all of us who had the pleasure of knowing Judy. She was the most caring person I ever knew. Jim, Wendy and Cindy--you have the comfort of all those loving memories of your wonderful mother. She was always there for you, as she was for all of her friends.

March 1, 2015

I recall meeting Judy the first time when Cindy suggested that the boys and I stop by her parent's home next to the Veledrome to use the boats during our trip to the Bob Rodale Cycling Park. We had never previously met, but Judy insisted that we come inside for some lemonade. I had commented regarding a beautiful flower in bloom on their property. Upon returning to our car after biking, Judy had dug out 2 plants placed in buckets for us to plant at home. Judy's generous and hospitable spirit lives on in our hearts!

Sue Adkins

February 28, 2015

To Judy's Family,

My heart was broken when I received an e-mail about your mom's death. She held such a special spot in my heart. She was my Kappa mom and she was so loving, kind and encouraging. I was a bridesmaid in your mom and dad's wedding and have so many happy memories of that time.

We were able to keep in touch through the years, even though I have lived in Texas for the last 44 years. The last time I saw your mom was in October of 2012 when I was passing through Philadelphia on a wedding trip. We had dinner together and it was such a blessing to be with her, but the time passed much too quickly. She will be greatly missed.

I send my love and prayers.
Diane Lemon

February 10, 2015

Dear Wendy, Cindy, Jim and family,
So very sorry to learn of the loss of your incredible and amazing mother. I had the privilege of working with her at the Intermediate Unit for many years. So many wonderful memories of parties she and your dad hosted and the excellent help your mother provided for so many families. She always went above and beyond to help families including offering them evening calling hours on her own time to best accomodate their schedules. Her smile, positive attitude and energy, friendliness, sense of humor, caring, generosity and kindness will always be remembered. Not to mention how easy going she was, a one of a kind gem. She was so proud of you, her children and grandchildren sharing stories and pictures. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest and heartfelt sympathy.

Val (& Scott ) Morton

February 9, 2015

judy will be missed by all who knewher

joseph fritzinger

February 1, 2015

During our under-graduate years at Penn State, I was fortunate to be Judy's roommate for a semester. During that semester, Judy was hooking a rug for a class---the loom took up most of our living space, but the rug was a big success! Good memories. I's so glad to have known Judy for many years. Kathie Briggs Featherstone

Katherine Briggs Featherstone

January 30, 2015

to thebodyfamily iamsorry foryourloss

January 30, 2015

joseph fritzinger

January 28, 2015

Judy was a brilliant light and inspiration. She will always be remembered for her genuine compassion and caring.

Jane Wrigley

January 27, 2015

Wendy -
I was sorry to read and hear of your mother's passing. She sounded like quite a gal. I can see where you get your energy and zest for life from. If you keep those fond memories of your mom close to your heart, she'll never be far away and will always watch over you. My condolences to you and your family.
Chris Bauder

Christine Bauder

January 27, 2015

Heaven will welcome her smile and generous heart.

Alyce Diehl

January 26, 2015

Wendy & Cindy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She was truly one of kind in SO many ways. I regret not personally knowing her better, but I feel like I knew her through the stories you've shared! What an amazing person!

God Bless you ladies (and Jim)!

Michele Belisle

January 26, 2015

Dear Wendy
So sorry to hear ofe loss my prayers are with you and your family
Much love Anne mccabe

January 26, 2015

Dear Cindy and Wendy. Our deepest sympathy. Cindy and Tracey Saylor went to school with you. Your mom was a wonderful woman..

Faye Saylor

January 26, 2015

Wendy, Cindy and families - I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kathy Frazier

January 26, 2015

Wendy, Cindy, Jim and family,
Our deepest condolences on Judy's passing. Your tribute to her was smart, witty and captured her one-of-a-kind-ness. She was an original- well beyond her time in her commitment to the environment and her community. Most of all, however, was her commitment to her family. We all learned from Judy. She will be missed but her spirit will be with us- smiling and laughing at life's goodness and mirth. Our love with you. xox
Mark, Ingrid and Lauren

Ingrid Gerber

January 25, 2015

Cindy and family,
We are saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Her obituary is a testament to all that she did and all whom she touched. Sending prayers at this difficult time. The Scandone Family

January 25, 2015

Wendy & family,
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a great lady. I remember going to the house when our Daughter Sheri would come to spend a few hours with you. She so enjoyed it. Your mother was a one of a kind & will be missed by all who knew & loved her. Your in our thoughts & prayers.

Marlene & Barry Smith

January 25, 2015

Our condolences to the Body, Ackerman and Perosa families. Judy was one of a kind who embraced life, lived by her convictions, and taught us all to try to see what was truly important. She was ahead of her time in thinking about the environment and being health conscious. She will be so missed but her legacy will live on in her beautiful children and grandchildren. Our warmth and love with you in this time. xoxo
Ingrid, Mark and Lauren Gerber

January 25, 2015

I loved working with Judy at the I.U. She was charming and joyful and passionate about the things I also cared about. She was a gift.

January 25, 2015

Judy was a great lady on so many fronts. I recall fondly working with her for the Learning Disabilities Support Group in Allentown. She will be missed!

Sharon Alexander

January 25, 2015

What an awesome, funny tribute for an awesome, funny lady. Judy surely had a big impact on all who knew her and the kind Body legacy lives on! We will miss her witty banter and charming, quirky ways.

Wayne & Heather Dubov

January 25, 2015

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Memorial Events
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Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Steel Stacks

101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, P.C. - Emmaus

225 Elm Street, Emmaus, PA 18049

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