Judith Carr Vanderbilt

Judith ("Judy") Carr Vanderbilt died at home on April 26, 2025, after a brief illness. She was 88 years old. A lifelong resident of Springfield, Judy was born at St. John's Hospital on June 4, 1936 to Jane (Lippert) and Edward Andrew Carr. She attended kindergarten at Rountree School, and first and second grades at Elfindale before her family briefly relocated to Cambridge, MA, during WWII. She remembered her time in Cambridge fondly, playing in Harvard Yard, taking the streetcar down Mass Ave, and attending Agassiz School. When her family returned to Springfield, Judy enrolled at St. Agnes School and graduated in 1954.
Judy met George Vanderbilt at a duplicate bridge tournament at The Colonial Hotel in early 1960. They were unmatched singles paired by Judy's friend Marguerite Lagle, who perhaps had matchmaking in mind. Judy and George were married in November, 1960; they celebrated 58 years of marriage together. Their family included son, Terry, and daughters Helen, Sarah, and Rebecca. While her children were still small, Judy enrolled at Southwest Missouri State and earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English. She had a minor in Latin. Judy's professional career included teaching Freshman Composition and other English classes at SMS, and teaching Latin at Drury University and Central High. She taught literature courses at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners, worked as a copywriter for radio and television stations and advertising agencies, and worked at Family Services. Judy also wrote for Springfield Magazine and other publications. She was proud to be a member of NABET – CWA.
Committed to improving civic life in Springfield, Judy served multiple terms on the Cable and Personnel Boards. She was an active member of Southwest Missouri Museum Associates and volunteered in the museum gift shop. She and George regularly attended Lyric Opera, Symphony, and Springfield Contemporary Theater productions, and hosted theater appreciation receptions. They hosted performers for the Hellam Competition for many years. In retirement, they traveled several times to Europe and especially enjoyed river cruises. She loved dogs, English homes and gardens, French porcelain, sterling teaspoons, and setting a beautiful table. She was a terrific cook and hosted lively dinner parties. She had great friends and they all talked about everything and laughed a lot.
Judy is survived by her daughters Helen Hamel (Ray) of Wellesley, MA, Sarah Vanderbilt of Springfield, and Rebecca Vanderbilt of Blanca, CO; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, George; son, Terry; her parents; her brother Andy; her "adopted mothers," Emma Jane and Mary McDaniel; and many beloved friends.
Arrangements are private and in care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will be private at Maple Park Cemetery. Donations to organizations that support the Arts in Springfield would honor Judy's memory greatly.