Judith Pickard Yeakel

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Western Washington University

Judith Yeakel Obituary

Judith Pickard Yeakel In Loving Memory Sunrise- March 14, 1929 Sunset - January 28, 2014 With grace and dignity, Mom succumbed to the effects of several strokes, surrounded by family, peacefully journeying to her Lord and Savior. She was a living example of courage, love, inspiration, generosity, independence and selflessness. A enthusiastic leader in her community and church, everyone who knew Judy was touched by her beautiful spirit. Judy was born in Ripon, Wisconsin, the daughter of Samuel N. and Dorothea Pickard. She attended Wayland Academy High School and Smith College. At the age of 52, she completed her education and received a BA from Western Washington University. She became a resident of Whidbey Island in 1964 where she resided until her death. She was a founding member of St. Augustine's-in-the-Woods Episcopal Church in Freeland and has remained an active participant, serving many positions within the church and the Diocese. Philanthropy was a way of life for Judy. She was intent on serving women, the underserved and the protection of our planet. She also was an ardent supporter of the arts. She encouraged others to pursue their dreams and goals and was never one to stand in their way. Her unyielding acceptance of others and her compassion for a peaceful world prompted her to take a stand, whether it was a popular opinion or not. Her leadership style was one of quiet humility, always shown by her actions, and a faithful servant to the end. She will be greatly missed and is survived by her children, Jim (Joan), Barb (Jerome), Anne (Don), and Bob (Charlene). Also surviving are brothers, James (Mitzi) and Samuel; and her twin sister, Julia (John); along with eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Tom. Rest in Peace Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014 at St. Augustine's-in-the-Woods Freeland, WA In lieu of flowers please make donations to: St. Augustine's in the Woods parish - P.O. Box 11, Freeland, WA 98249. Wayland Academy - 101 N. University St., Beaver Dam, WI 53956. Helping Hand of South Whidbey - P.O. Box 661, Langley, WA 98260.

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Published by The Herald (Everett) from Feb. 1 to Feb. 4, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Judith Yeakel

11 Entries

Linda Hoeck

February 4, 2014

Judy taught us to reach out and enjoy helping folks. My condolences to her family. I'm sure she has been welcomed to meeting some folks she helped.

Judy Coyle

February 4, 2014

Always a smile and a kind word, Judy was an inspiration to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cheryl Humleker

February 4, 2014

I knew Judy as a mentor and friend on the Wayland Board of Trustees. Her quiet voice spoke wisdom from experience; she lived with dignity and quiet passion. She graciously shared her knowledge with me and others. She listened more than she spoke: a valuable lesson to all.
I shall remember her ready smile and gentle presence.

February 3, 2014

As a Wayland Academy parent and a member of the Board of Trustees, I have always held Judy in the highest regard. My thoughts go out to your family with sympathy and understanding.

Georgianna Starz

Karl and Eileen Rauschert

February 3, 2014

Knowing Judy was one of the happy experiences of our life. She was a beautiful person and we shall miss her and think of her whenever we are at Wayland.

Norma Cline

February 3, 2014

I light this candle in memory of your beautiful mother. May she rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to the family.

K Dortch

February 3, 2014

My condolences to the bereaved family. May you be comforted by looking forward to God's promise to completely remove the distressing effect of death.

February 3, 2014

I am Chair of the Board of Trustees of Wayland Academy, a coeducational college preparatory school most dear to Judy and other members of her family. At the time of her passing, Judy was a Trustee Emeritus of Wayland. On behalf of the Trustees, Administration, faculty, students, alumni, and friends of Wayland, I extend my sincere condolences to Judy's family, and express our collective gratitude for her extraordinary financial, spiritual and passionate contributions to Wayland Academy. William T. Luedke IV.

Susan Peterson

February 3, 2014

Judy Yeakel was one of the grandest ladies I have known. Her quiet humility and grade was a role-model for all of us--male or female. I met her when I joined the Wayland Academy board--and stayed in touch with her through cards and emails through the years especially when I became Chair of the board. She was always so supportive and I shall miss her very much. My heart goes out to her loved ones. All my best,
Susan

Cheryl Geary

February 2, 2014

Bob, Barb, Anne, Jim & families, Kirk & I are sorry for your loss. What a great Woman you had for a Mother & Grandmother. We are Blessed to have known her. You all our in our thoughts & prayers.

Nate Bochsler

February 1, 2014

I loved you Grandma Judy! We will honor your memory through our lives. So thankful to have spent such quality time over the years and the last few weeks :)

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