Judith also affectionately called “Judy” or “Mamma Jay” by those who knew her, was born on Saturday, December 8, 1945 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. She is the niece of the internationally renowned author and professor Dr. Ernest C. Fitch, P.E. of Stillwater, OK (deceased March 16, 2011).
In her childhood years Judith was raised primarily in the Midwest and was fond of her childhood years as part of the middle-class baby boom generation. Her favorite childhood memory was walking along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. Judith had a very close relationship with her parents, brother, children, and grandchild. Although Judith had ties to a Jewish bloodline, she was a devout Christian and an ordained minister in the Christian faith. She enjoyed ministering to others and letting them know just how much God loved them. She was devoted to her family and to be a good daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She possessed an unwavering set of values, faith, and virtues and was committed to instilling these into her children and grandchildren. Judith was always ready and available to help others and never complained about her work.
Judith was a gifted dramatic soprano and studied at The Julliard School however, she chose to use her vocal gifts in church performances and church choir. She occasionally would stun listeners with higher notes, particularly while performing the song “Oh Holy Night”, once even resulting in shattering stage lighting at the peak of a crescendo. Judith came from a very musical family and also played the piano and accordion. Although Judith was petite at 5’ 1 and ¾ “, she was proud to be able to handle a massive Stradella System 120-base accordion.
Judith dedicated her life to caring for anyone in need. She served for many years in the Assemblies of God church as a National Girls Ministry Leader (formerly Missionettes). She worked as a teacher in homes for the mentally disabled and was fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) where she never missed an opportunity to converse with the Deaf as well as to assist in interpreting. Judith aspired to receive her certification as a sign language interpreter.
Judith was a skilled cook who raised her children and grandchildren on nutritious home-cooked meals. She enjoyed playing card games, particularly Canasta, and spending time with her long-time best friend, Rev. Carol McNally from the Grandview/Belton area, also a minister of the Christian faith who served on many missions in her own Christian ministry. They spent many years of friendship together offering testimony in their love and faith of the Lord and were always there to support each other.
Judith loved the ocean and longed to return to the ocean. She once said while walking along the beach, “I have never felt closer to God as when my feet are skimming the water that connects our planet.” She loved to laugh and loved to share the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Every telephone call, voice message, letter, and text message ended with “Love Mamma” or “Love Mamma Jay”.
Judith is predeceased by her husband Lawrence, father Glenn, mother Francis, brother Jeffrey, and niece Laura.
Judith is survived by her eldest son Lawrence II, youngest son James, grandson Christopher, nephew Daniel, niece Mikah and life-long best friend Rev. Carol McNally (also known as “Aunt Carol”).
To honor Judith’s love of the ocean, the family is planning a dedication ceremony of her ashes off the island of Oahu. The ceremony will be officiated by Judith’s grandson Christopher of Honolulu, HI. The date has yet to be determined.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18