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Judith McDowell Obituary
1941 - 2018
Judith Hudson McDowell of Columbus, Ohio, died May 6, 2018. Judith, born Jan 24, 1941, in Moline, Illinois, was the eldest daughter of William Wesley Hudson and Mildred Stengl Hudson and caring partner to Don Newman. Surviving family includes siblings, Gerald (Kay) Hudson and Gee-Gee (Ted) Smith; children, Alaska H. Black and Jason W. (Karen) Black; five grandchildren, Max, Ben, Milo, Oliver, and Naomi. Judith received her BA at Ohio Wesleyan University, and earned an MA at Harvard University and Simmons College, respectively. After Judy's retirement from the library at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in Washington, D.C., she worked as a children's librarian and substitute teacher's aide in the Columbus City Schools. Only ten days before her death she helped supervise a class of 2nd graders during a trip to COSI. Judith had many talents including writing poetry, playing multiple instruments, and singing in a choir. She continued to enjoy dancing. She was a longtime member of both the First Unitarian Universalist Church and North Broadway Methodist Church. It wasn't unusual for her to attend sermons at both on the same Sunday. Judith will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A memorial service followed by a reception on site, will begin at 1 P.M. Saturday, July 28, 2018 at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL. Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Wesleyan University, University Advancement Office, Mowry Alumni Center, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, Ohio 43015. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Judith McDowell
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Sheree Green
June 1, 2018
Sharon [Hendershot], all five of you ladies at your wedding were so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your memories of Judy.
Sharon Hendershot
May 31, 2018
We have been lifelong friends since Judy moved to Grandview Heights in the 7th grade.
We worked together at the Grandview Library.
She was in my wedding in 1960. I went to D.C. when Jason was born. We have worked on class reunions for years and I shall miss her helping on the 60th. She was very proud of her church choir and always invited me to their concerts. A world without Judy really leaves a big hole. She will really, really be missed. I am so sorry Don, Gerry, GeeGee.
Sharon Riggs Hendershot
May 31, 2018
Judy 1960 (Sharon Riggs bridesmaid)
Sharon Hendershot
May 31, 2018
May 11, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss Jason & Karen..I wish you peace....Fran Stoner
Judy, Gerry and Gee-Gee @ 1951
Gee-Gee Smith
May 11, 2018
Judy & Gee-Gee @1952
Gee-Gee Smith
May 11, 2018
1945
Gee-Gee Smith
May 11, 2018
Judy and Gerry
Gee-Gee Smith
May 11, 2018
Kelly Blake
May 10, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. Judith and I sang together at First Church. Such a lovely person.
Carolyn Hippensteel
May 9, 2018
Don and I have been friends of Judith's since we first came to the 1st UU Church here in Columbus. That's a long time. And, we have a lot of good memories. To her family, I send my sincere condoleneses. She was a good friend to us.
Erin Arthur
May 9, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Judith through Church and working with the kids every year for Vacation Bible School, both of my children were in her group. She was a very nice lady and will be missed.
Carol Hughes
May 9, 2018
I will miss Judith's presence at church gatherings & most of all in our aerobics class of many years. Because of health issues I have missed aerobics for a year and have been looking forward to getting back to it soon. I am sad she will not be there. Sending caring thoughts to the family.
Sheree Green
May 9, 2018
Judy was a dedicated dancer, and always had a beautiful smile for everyone. Thanks, Edie, for mentioning her turning down the lights each Monday for the final dance.....so endearing! Hugs to Don and to Judy's family, so very sorry for your painful loss.
Laurie McGregor Connor OWU '77
May 9, 2018
I knew Judith through our mutual experience at Ohio Wesleyan. She was a valued member of our Columbus Monnett Club, a women's group, who shared their times at OWU. Her presence will be missed.
Edie Driskill
May 8, 2018
Judy always 'Turned down the lights' during our last waltz every Monday night to the Neil Diamond song of the same name. She's been such a lovely friend for 25 years. It's hard to believe her lights won't be shining for us on Monday again. My thoughts are with Don and her family whom she loved to brag about!
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