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Judith Read Obituary
Judith A. "Judy" Read, 76, went home to be with the Lord on May 12, 2016 from complications of pancreatic cancer.
Judy embraced life with great commitment, passion and love for family, friends and community. Always friendly, warm, positive, and selfless, she inspired many. She was born on April 29, 1940 to Dr. and Mrs. Leroy R. Licklider. After graduation from Buchtel High School, she attended the University of Akron. While there she met Roger Read. They graduated together in 1963 and were married in July of that year. Judy taught school for a number of years before becoming a full time mother upon the birth of Scott in 1968.
Judy's devotion to the local community was unparalleled. She served as Chair, United Disability Services; President, Women's Committee, University of Akron; President, Akron Area League of Women Voters; Chair, Akron Blind Center; and Chair, The Bath Horse Show. In addition, she served many other organizations including the Akron Community Foundation, United Way, Bath Church and Akron Symphony. For her efforts, Judy received numerous distinguished community awards including the Akron Community Foundation's Women's Endowment Fund and Advocacy Award, Bath Community Fund Legacy Award, University of Akron Women's Committee Community Leadership Award, University of Akron Honorary Doctorate, Torchbearer's Friends of Young Leader's Award, Elizabeth A. Dalton Greenleaf Family Center Award, H. Peter Burg Red Cross Community Leadership Award, and United Way Distinguished Service Award.
Judy and the Read family wish to thank friends, family, Judy's personal physician, Dr. Melodie Phillips, ClearPath Home Health Care, and the VNS Hospice Care Center, all of whom reached out to her with care, love, and prayers as she faced with dignity and courage her final months.
She is survived by her husband, Roger; son, Scott (Kim); grandchildren, Garrett and Brandon; brother, James Licklider of Louisiana; and sister, Bonnie Shemanski of Tennessee.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Bath Church, United Church of Christ, 3980 W. Bath Rd., Akron 44333, with Rev. Mark W. Frey officiating. Friends may call 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bath Church or a charity of choice. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Judith Read
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
G RAY ASHTON JR
May 9, 2021
ROGER, I CAN APPRECIATE YOUR FEELINGS TODAY. ON MAY 13, 2016 MY WIFE ANNE DIED FIVE YEARS AGO OF THE SAME DISEASE AS JUDY. MY FEELING GO OUT TO YOU.
YOURS IN THE BOND, G RAY ASHTON JR.
Dwain Poteete
May 10, 2020
Happy mothers day Mrs Read hope you are resting well in your heavenly home and enjoying a nice glass of fresh brewed iced tea
RAY ASHTON
May 9, 2020
DEAR ROGER,
I GRIEVE ALMOST EVERY DAY FOR ANNE, MY DECEASED WIFE, WHO DIED OF PANCREATIC CANCER, IN THE SAME MONTH OF MAY AS JUDY. ANNE DIED MAY 13TH, AFTER ABOUT A YEAR'S STRUGGLE. EVEN AFTER FOUR YEARS, IT STILL HURTS.
MAYBE THEY WILL MEET IN HEAVEN.
YOURS IN THE BOND,
RAY ASHTON, YOUR SARASOTA PHI BROTHER
James P Musick
May 9, 2020
Dear Roger and Family, I am sure that the very bright light of Judy is still shining in your eyes. I can still remember what a wonderful and friendly couple the two of you made in college. I never could stay up with you for long on Captain Dave CC team but you always were a great leader in high school and college. Thanks for the friendship and the memories. PHIL
Joe & Teresa Latona
May 21, 2016
Roger & Family; Our deepest sympathy.
Bernard & Deborah Marucci
May 21, 2016
Roger,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of your wife Judy.
We offer our sincere condolences and prayers for your family.
Bernie and Debbie Marucci
Mary Nice
May 21, 2016
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the entire Read family. Mrs. Read was a beautiful person inside and out, and will be greatly missed and never forgotten by so many.
Brenda Justice
May 19, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Read family. What an honor to have such a wonderful woman be part of your life. She had a heart of gold that she always shared with a smile.
The Staff of Billow Funeral Homes
May 19, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Judi & Gregory Hill
May 18, 2016
Roger,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of your lovely wife Judy. You were blessed to have such a dear soul as a part of your life As long as you did
We offer our sincere condolences and prayers for your family.
RAY ASHTON
May 18, 2016
DEAR ROGER,
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU ON THIS SAD OCCASION.
I KNOW ONLY TOO WELL, AS MY WIFE ANNE, DIED FROM THE SAME DISEASE, ON FRIDAY THE 13TH.
MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU.
YITB, RAY ASHTON, SARASOTA, FL.
Marilyn Smith McKnight
May 18, 2016
Dear Roger, Scott and family. So many memories of such a beautiful woman inside and out. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Tish Boggs
May 17, 2016
Oh the world has lost a beautiful soul. Judy's smile will forever be in my memory. Her spirit touched so many that she shall live on forever through their continuation of her legacy. Tish Biggs
May 16, 2016
Dear Roger, Scott, Kim and family. I am so sorry to learn of Judy's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during your time of loss. May Judy's spirit and love give you the strength to carry on.
Curt Oliver
Bill, Anne, and Erik Hauser
May 16, 2016
Roger and Family, Judy was a special gift from God to all of us. We were honored to be a part of her life. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We are always there for you as you need us. Love, Bill, Anne and Erik Hauser.
Debbie & Kevin Blosser
May 16, 2016
Dear Roger and family, Kevin and I are very sorry for your loss. Your wife was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed. Your thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
PHIL MUSICK
May 16, 2016
Dear Roger: A truly beautiful soul has left us for now. May her memories and works give us all the strength to carry on and live our lives better.
Laura Jo Hawk
May 16, 2016
With my deepest sympathies - your loss is shared by everyone lucky enough to have known and loved Judy.
May 16, 2016
Dear Roger and Family,
We were very sorry to hear about the passing of Judy. She was "outstanding" in her dedication to benefit others. A special person who will be missed. Claudia and Ron Kammer
Cathalynn and Michael Thompson
May 16, 2016
So sorry for your loss Roger. Judy was an angel on earth and now in heaven!
Ted and Tracia Wellman
Debbie Stinson
May 16, 2016
Roger and Scott - my deepest sympathy for your loss. I got to know Judy through Greenleaf and really enjoyed knowing her. She was very kind and generous and will be missed.
Matthew Bunin
May 16, 2016
Scott, my condolences to you and your family. May her memory be a blessing.
Bill Fodor
May 16, 2016
Roger, Scott, and Family
Sue and I send our deepest sympathy at your loss. Judy was truly a great Wife, Mother, Friend, and Ambassador to our community. We are blessed that she impacted our lives in so many generous ways! She will be greatly missed.
Bill and Sue Fodor
Michael McCarty
May 16, 2016
Roger, I am sorry for your loss. Judy was a gorgeous individual both inside and out and a wonderful lady. May god be with you during this difficult time.
God Bless
Eileen Katz
May 16, 2016
Mrs. Read was one of my teachers at Litchfield, and I helped her in another class. I remember there was a mischievous boy in that class who probably was trying to be the class clown. Mrs. Read would turn her back so that no one would see her smile. She once whispered to me that she couldn't get mad at him because he was funny. My sincere condolences to her family.
Dan Colantone
May 15, 2016
Judy was a very special lady always wanting to serve others and support our community in many ways. She will be missed by many in our great city. Many prayers go out to Roger, Scott and her entire family. We love and miss you Judy, your legacy will live on and inspire others
Jim and Linda Emore
May 15, 2016
Jim and I send our deepest condolences. We truly enjoyed the time we spent with Judy. She was one of the dearest people we knew. Akron was a much better place with her there. We're sorry that we couldn't be around to offer support during her fight with cancer. We wish you love.Jim and Linda Emore
Rosemary Reymann
May 15, 2016
Dear Scott and family,
I was so sad to see that your incredible mother has died. Her passing is a loss not just for her family, but for the whole community. She was a major sponsor in a couple activities for Global Ties>Akron, formerly Akron International Friendship. One of them was this very weekend, an event at the Main Library called "Exploring the World Through Stories." The two day children's program promoted diversity, love and understanding of different cultures. Judy was always looking for ways to make our community a better place.
Dwain Poteete
May 15, 2016
Mr Read and family it's always too soon when we lose a loved one . May the healing grace of Gods love and time paired with your memories be yours in full
May 15, 2016
Condolences to the Reed family from Billie and Bob Whittum
Roger Emerson
May 15, 2016
What a beautiful life. Roger and Scott and family, I prayed for you; you have lost greatly, but what a blessing to have a wife and mother like Judy for so many years. God is faithful and good and will be a source of comfort to you at this difficult time.
May 15, 2016
We hold uplifting memories of a wonderful, caring, compassionate lady. Such a loss to family, friends, Bath Church, and community.
Cinda and Jim Dehner
Jim & Melody Thomasson
May 15, 2016
Roger, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this moment. Judy was a bright and shining light the many years we knew her and she will be missed by all. Jim and Melody Thomasson
Maryjo Androsky Slabaugh
May 15, 2016
I would like to give my sincere sympathy to the Reed family. I also, would like to share a story regarding Judy. When I was a young girl 16 years old, in 1969, I worked at a Five Points Acme click. Judy Shop weekly and would wait in my line no matter how long. While reading her groceries we often should chatted about our families. In 1976 I shared with Judy, about my upcoming wedding in February. She was tickled for me, genuinely.
Our wedding went off without a hitch. After our wedding Mass and at the receiving line imagine my surprise when do Judy and her husband Roger, came forward to congratulate us. She hugged me very tenderly and I couldn't believe she was there this wonderful day with us. Here Roger, was my father's boss!!
They came to the reception we danced,we ate,
we celebrated. It was so special. I never knew her last name when I was young girl, and she never knew mine, she also knew my father so she would have recognized that she would have been at the wedding. How funny was that. Judy and Roger supported my family when my father passed away in 1992. I haven't seen Judy and Roger since and I want you extend my warmest thoughts and prayers for the family. Be with God Judy!
Heartfelt sympathy to Roger and your family
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Memorial Events
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3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Billow's Funeral Homes & Crematory - Fairlawn Chapel85 North Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333
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