Judith Beatrice Layng

Prof. Layng was such a kind, empathetic, creative teacher and friend. I have been seeing her frequently of late, in my mind's eye, smiling, doing exercise warm-ups with usor character development. In my memories, she is always engaging, encouraging, challenging, suggesting alternative avenues of thought...impelling me to dig deeper inside, always, she is smiling.

Our brief friendship enriched our lives beyond measure. We miss you.

My deepest sympathy to Ms. Layng's family. I was a student of Ms. Layng
while at Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
Ms. Layng possessed tremendous intellect, passion, spirit for living and for opera. Ms. Layng was my most inspiring and influential teacher and will be greatly missed. She will be in my thoughts always.

My condolences to Judith's family. I knew her in Elmira, N.Y., and when I moved from Elmira to Watertown, N.Y., I passed one of my top voice students on to her. His name was Todd Thomas, and he was about 15 years old at the time. He is now a professional opera singer, in his 40's. Since we both taught him, I feel connected with her, even though it has been many years since I knew her.

I will miss your gentle strength and quiet knowledge that kept our congregation grounded. You were a guiding spirit in our choir and to me as a friend. I hope your family will find some consolation in the fact that you were so loved by many.

We will miss your pioneering spirit, your kindness and your thoughtfulness. Most of all we will miss the too brief visits with "nana" Judith filled with good food, engaging conversation and merriment. Our heartfelt condolences to family and friends who held her near and dear.

Laura, Philippe, Alexandre and Isabelle