Judith Ann Karadin

Judith Ann Karadin (nee Kulton), age 85, of Barberton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. Born on May 2, 1940, in Akron, Ohio, to the late John E. and Catherine Kulton, Judith grew up in a large, close-knit family that would shape the warmth and generosity she carried with her throughout her entire life.

Judith was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Laurence "Larry" Karadin, sharing 61 years of marriage built on love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Together they raised six children in a home filled with music, creativity, and the rich aroma of something wonderful baking in the oven. Judith encouraged each of her children to pick up an instrument and learn to play, fostering a love of music in each of them.

Those who knew Judith, or "Aunt Judy" as she was affectionately called by her many nieces and nephews, knew a woman of generosity, compassion and love of family. She was a skillful baker and cook who made sure her children never went to school without one of her creative packed lunches. She sewed clothes for her kids, and her homemade birthday cakes became the stuff of family legend. She had a particular passion for crafting, especially at Christmas, when she would fill the house with handmade ornaments and decorations that transformed the holiday into something magical. And you would never leave her house without taking a "care package" of some goodies!

Her children will forever remember her sense of humor, her comforting hot toddies when they were sick, the Sunday dinners that brought everyone together, the silly little songs she used to sing to them and the regular summer vacations at Lake Erie that created a lifetime of cherished memories. Judith had an extraordinary gift for making every occasion feel special. Above all, she poured her heart into her grandchildren, taking them on adventures to all kinds of places and filling their childhoods with wonder and joy.

Judith was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in Wadsworth, where her faith served as the steady foundation of her life. That deep and abiding devotion guided her through every season and gave her strength, peace, and purpose.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence Karadin; her parents, John and Catherine Kulton; her brother, Robert Kulton; and her sister, Mary Jones.

Judith is survived by her six children, Mary (Mark) Switzer, John Karadin, Christine (Brett) Watkins, Lisa (John) Apynys, Stephanie (Eric) Smith, and Joseph Karadin; her 10 grandchildren; her 12 great-grandchildren; her brothers, John Kulton, Timothy Kulton, and George Kulton; her sisters, Susan Sylva, Kathy Smiszek, and Sandra Lannigan; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, March 12, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Anthony Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 13, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 260 Broad St. in Wadsworth. A graveside service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, where Judith will be laid to rest beside Larry, the love of her life.