Judith Ann VanFossen

Judith Ann VanFossen, 80, a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Born in Fort Wayne on October 10, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Ruth (Davis) Robinson. Judy graduated from South Side High School and went on to receive Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from Indiana University where she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and became an avid IU basketball fan. Judy began teaching in 1964 where she taught at Harlan, Woodlan, and Paul Harding High Schools. Throughout her career, Judy strived for all young people to experience professional success and personal pride. Whether a student landed a good job right out of high school or was accepted to a prestigious university, she was equally excited. Eventually she shifted her time from the classroom to solely helping non-college bound students start careers right out of high school by establishing a school-to-work program at Harding High School. By the early 2000s, she had expanded the program across East Allen County Schools. Judy was a member of the Psi Iota Xi philanthropic sorority and helped launch the Johnny Appleseed Festival. She was a member of Junior League of Fort Wayne and for years, was an active volunteer for Junior Achievement. Judy loved traveling and being with her family and her dear friends. Judy is survived by her husband, Fred, of 57 years; three sons, Don, Dick (Emily) and Dave (Phil); grandchildren, Abby, Tori, Freddy and Helen; and her brother, Dick (Ann) Robinson. A celebration of life for Judy will be held from 4:00-6:00pm on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819 with a time of sharing beginning at 6:00pm. Memorials to the Lilly Endowment (lillyendowment.org) and Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana (northernindiana.ja.org).