Judith R. Lashof

SUDBURY - Judith Rae Lashof, 63, died of breast cancer on May 27, 2018, at McClure Miller VNA Respite House in Colchester, Vermont.
Ms. Lashof was born Aug. 8, 1954, in Philadelphia, and was the first child of Richard and Joyce Lashof.
Her early years were spent in Chicago where she attended high school at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, graduating in 1971. She earned a bachelor's degree in Urban Problems and Social Change from the University of Michigan in 1974 and a master's degree in Adult Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984. In 2009, she completed a Certificate of Study in Elementary Education at Castleton State College.
Ms. Lashof celebrated her commitment to Thelma Stoudt in October 1991 at the Sudbury Town Hall. The couple were later separated.
Ms. Lashof was a lifelong educator, community organizer and advocate for social change. While working with the Movement for a New Society, she co-wrote the book "No Turning Back: Lesbian and Gay Liberation for the '80s," published in 1983.
She moved to Sudbury in 1986 to become the coordinator of Adult Basic Education for Southwest Vermont. She later served as the program manager for Vermont Adult Learning in Rutland and as the coordinator of the Rutland Region Even Start program. At the time of her death, Ms. Lashof was the reading specialist at West Rutland School.
Ms. Lashof was a leader in the movement for marriage equality and for LGBT rights. She was also an active member and supporter of the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society.
She is survived by her daughter, Suma Lashof, of Burlington, Vermont; her sister, Carol Lashof, and her brother, Daniel Lashof, both of Berkeley, California; her mother, of Alameda, California; and her partner, Kathleen Donna, of Glen Falls, New York.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2-3 p.m. at the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2 Duane Court, Middlebury, Vermont. Reception following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vermont Community Foundation or to an organization of your choice dedicated to advancing civil liberties.