Judith Stiles Witmer

1939 - 2025

Judith Stiles Witmer

November 20, 1939 - January 21, 2025

Judy was born November 20, 1939 Judith Marguerite Stiles in Boulder, Colorado to Lindley Stiles and Marguerite Croonenberghs Stiles. Judy Witmer is survived by her only sibling, sister Patricia Stiles Good, her husband, Daniel, sons Robertson and David, grandchildren, Alisele Witmer and Boden Witmer, and daughters-in-law Becky Witmer and Sarah Oliver.

As a young child, Judy lived in Williamsburg, VA, Illinois, Ohio, and "on the lawn" at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA where her father was the first Dean of the SCHOOL of Education at the UVA. Her high school years were spent in Madison, Wisconsin attending a laboratory high school for improvement of teaching methods located on campus at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

For college, Judy returned to Boulder and the University of Colorado, where she studied to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Education. As a freshman, she met her husband-to-be, Daniel Witmer. Following graduation, Judy & Dan married and moved to Bellevue, Washington, where Judy began teaching first grade and kindergarten at Georgetown Elementary School in Seattle. It was there that Judy first developed her interest in the readiness of 4, 5, and 6 year olds for classroom education and in at-home, parent-led activities to foster their zest for discovery and learning.

After her first 5 years of teaching, Judy and Dan moved to Mercer Island, Washington, and Judy took a 7 year hiatus for the births and early full time rearing of their two sons, Rob and Dave. A next-door neighbor then recruited Judy to the nearby Bellevue College Parent Education and Cooperative Preschool program which included a Parent Education Instructor position. This position taught parents the best methods for encouraging confidence building and a love of learning in their child, with the Cooperative Preschools serving as a hands-on observable laboratory for these methods. For 48 years Judy served as both Parent Education Instructor and, together with an associate, as the classroom teacher of 3, 4, and 5-year-old children in a setting she called "Mercer Island Learning Lab". She lovingly shared her wisdom and spirit, to such an extent that in some cases previous students returned with their own children, creating generational communities within the classroom. Fortunately, Judy was also able to have both of her own grandchildren attend Learning Lab. One dedicated group of parents even dubbed themselves as "Judy's Forever". Her interest drove her to wear both hats of Instructor and Teacher, creating a truly dynamic learning environment for all. During her working career she earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education.

Judy and Dan's move to Seattle immediately following college was an experiment and adventure, neither having previously travelled to the Northwest. They began hiking and beach camping particularly on the Pacific Ocean beaches of Washington. They also did inland sea travels with a two person kayak. Favorite locales included Northern Vancouver Island where they and their sons made numerous sightings of orca whales.

With Judy's summer vacations from teaching, her family was able to make several trips to Europe on various occasions when their sons were ages 4 through 16. Other foreign travels were similarly enjoyed during Judy's summers.

From 2008-2024 Judy volunteered at the Mercer Island farmers Market at a booth offering interactive learning and discovery for children and families every Sunday the market was in operation.

Judy retired at age 82 after 53 years of active teaching and 59 years in their beloved house, which included early additions and modifications designed and built by Judy and Dan.

Judy loved reading and supporting local bookstores, advocating for orcas and animals, collecting wishing rocks on the beach, hosting gatherings for Easter egg hunts, and leading singalongs for holidays. Judy attended many live music and theater events with Dan. She saved acres of Amazon Rainforest through her Learning Lab Bake Sales, delighted students with her "Lollipop Trees", and grew enormous sunflowers every year in the M.I. Community Center Pea Patch. Her enthusiasm for life, love, and learning was infectious.

In retirement, Judy spent more time with her two grandchildren, including continuing to make time to blow bubbles and build with blocks, to take trips throughout the USA, and to celebrate the holidays. Each February she flew a kite with her grandchildren along the cold Pacific Ocean beaches of Washington. Through everything, it was easy for her to laugh, and she always had a joyful smile on her face. She dedicated her career, volunteerism, and family life to ensuring that children were exposed to the wonders of curiosity, play, and imagination.

A celebration of Judy's life will be held this spring on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers please consider:

A donation to The Orca Network.

Bringing your pennies to Judy's Celebration of Life so that we may purchase 1 more acre of Amazon Rainforest.

Purchasing a book from your local bookstore.

Planting a seed.

Igniting your imagination.