Judy Marie Kunkel

Judy Marie Kunkel, a beloved wife, sister, mother, teacher, Girl Scout leader, and friend, passed away on January 14, 2010 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her husband David, daughters Anna and Katie Kunkel, daughter-in-law Joy Hartsgrove, sister and brother-in-law Marjorie and Bill Bell, nephews David and Steven Bell and their families, niece Megan Shipley and family, cousin Terry Kite, and cousin Joanna Perez and family. The family would like to thank the nurses at the Baylor Clinic Infusion Center and the staff at the Methodist Hospital for their love and care.
Judy was born on December 18, 1951 in Houston, Texas to Marie and Willie Wolf, the second of 3 girls. She graduated from Mount Carmel High School and attended the University of Texas where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with Honors. During college, she met and fell in love with David Kunkel. They moved to Houston and she started teaching at Meadow Wood Elementary, illuminating young minds for 33 years. She was a wonderful teacher, earning her Masters in Education and receiving the School Bell Award Nominee in 2004. During her career, she also earned the Teacher of the Year Award and a Lifetime Member Award from the Meadow Wood PTA. Judy was also an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma teaching sorority from 2005 to 2009. Following retirement from teaching, Judy became an accomplished quilter completing a variety of projects for family and charity.
While raising two daughters, Judy became active with Girl Scouts. Wanting to share her own scouting experience, she was the troop leader for both of her daughters, assisting them in earning their Gold Awards, the highest honor in Girl Scouts. She also became increasingly active at the Service Unit and San Jacinto Council levels. Among the numerous activities she participated in, she organized service unit weekends and cookie sales, assisted with the Destinations program, and was the adult volunteer for the Senior Senate. During her 30 years with scouts, Judy was a member of the Emerald Circle, received many awards and recognitions, including Outstanding District Volunteer and Lifetime Achievement, and encouraged hundreds of young women to be their best.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2010 from 6 to 9 pm at the Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, followed by a service in her honor on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to donate to the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council for the benefit of the Judy Kunkel Scholarship Fund, attn: Beth Shea, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098, bshea@sjgs.org, 713-292-0321. The scholarship fund will support young women associated with the San Jacinto Girl Scouts.