Judith Ann (Goudy) Cole passed away peacefully at her residence in Mansfield, Ohio, on Monday, September 15, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1937, in Massillon, Ohio, to Ruth Helen (Jones) and Delbert P. Goudy.
Judy spent her childhood in Stark County, Ohio, graduating from Navarre High School in 1955, where she met her classmate and future husband, Thomas L. Cole. Judy worked as an Executive Secretary for several years in private industry, public education, and at Ohio Northern University. The couple married on August 20, 1960, and briefly resided in Ada, Ohio, while Tom completed his law degree at Ohio Northern University. After Tom completed his law degree in 1961, they relocated to Mansfield, Ohio, where they raised their two daughters – Lee Anne and Jennifer. In later years, Judy divided her time between Mansfield, Ohio, and Naples, Florida.
Judy’s interests and talents were as varied as they were joyful. She enjoyed tennis and golf with friends and family and was a member of The Woodland Club and Westbrook Country Club. For almost a decade, Judy contributed to her community as a volunteer buyer at the Mansfield Art Center, collaborating with her friend and co-buyer Sally Rohm to attend Midwest art fairs. Together, they brought unique artisan works — including paintings, jewelry, textiles, prints, and ceramics — to the Mansfield area.
Dedication to her roles as homemaker, mother, and grandmother defined Judy’s life. She was deeply devoted to her husband of 65 years, Tom; daughters, Lee Anne and Jenny; and to creating a welcoming and beautiful home for her family. An avid and talented artist with a keen eye for design, Judy had a passion for flowers, décor, and creating beautiful spaces for her family. She also generously assisted friends with home décor and design. Judy was happiest in the company of her family and close friends. She especially enjoyed her “girls’ night out” dinners at Olive Garden.
She was a devoted crossword puzzle enthusiast — completing each day’s puzzle in pen —and a wonderful cook, famous for her “special potatoes,” a staple at family celebrations. Her family fondly remembers her as their tireless cheerleader, always bursting with pride in their accomplishments, big or small.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Helen (Jones) Goudy and Delbert Pfouts Goudy, as well as her sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Hay) Goudy.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Thomas L. Cole; daughters and their spouses, Lee Anne Cole-Stoddart and Richard S. Stoddart, and Jennifer Elizabeth Cole and Michael D. Pearce; granddaughters, Ashleigh (Stoddart) McBratney (Ben) and Samantha Stoddart; great-grandchildren, Thomas Cole McBratney and Seeley Anne McBratney; and brother, Jon P. Goudy of Millersburg, OH.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life gathering at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Judy may be made to Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, Ohio.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Janette L. Miller, CNP and the cardiac team at OhioHealth, to Casey and Molly at SouthernCare Hospice Services, and Hannah and the team at Cornerstone Caregiving for their personal, compassionate and professional care and support during a difficult chapter.
Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
