Judith Justison Stranch passed away peacefully on November 25, 2020.
She was born in Folsom, PA to the late, Elizabeth and Harry Justison.
Judy was a graduate of Alexis I Dupont High School, class of 1971. Following high school, she attended University of Delaware and received a Bachelor of Science degree in education. In addition to her studies, she worked at the University's radio station, eventually becoming the general manager. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Education degree and began the task of receiving her PhD. During the final stage of the program, Judy was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and was forced to withdraw from the program. At the time of her withdraw, she carried a grade point average of 3.9. She ultimately won her battle with cancer, however she did not continue with her PhD, realizing that life is too short and precious.
Judy began her career teaching elementary special education. She was promoted to the special education department in the district offices. Shortly after that promotion she received another promotion to the supervisor position for all special education in the Red Clay district. Upon leaving her position in the district office she became the Assistant Principal at Heritage and Warner Elementary Schools, until ending her career as the Principal at Highlands Elementary School.
After retirement Judy remained very active. She became the principal at St. Matthews School in Newport, DE and then returned to her first career calling which was teaching home bound children for Red Clay approximately 3 days a week. She also volunteered at a women's detention center preparing inmates for their GED. She would write letters home to family and children for some of the inmates. She also became a Eucharistic Minister at a parish in the Poconos where she had a home. Even before retirement, Judy loved to be surrounded by friends and ski in the Poconos.
She enjoyed spending 4 weeks each year in Key West. Her favorite of the 4 weeks spent was “Ernest Hemingway Week”. She enjoyed attending lectures and seminars about Hemingway, his family and his literature.
She loved spending time at her Rehoboth Beach condo she named "Key West North". She designed and decorated each room with a Key West feel. When Judy was in Rehoboth, she was very active and a dedicated volunteer with the Rehoboth American Legion, Post 5 and the Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 where she was the former auxiliary president and secretary.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Stranch who passed in July 2020.
She is survived by her sister, Gail Bowman; brother, John Justison; her nieces, Jessica Bowman, Catherine Casmay, and Madeline Justison; as well as her great-nephew, Zev and great-niece, Naomi.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing for Judith on Friday, December 4, from 6-8 pm at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy. Wilm. DE. 19805. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, December 5 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph on the Brandywine R.C. Church, 10 Old Church Rd. Wilm. 19807. Interment will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.
302-994-9614
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