Judith Ann Caldwell, age 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord early Friday morning, April 8, 2016, at Marion Manor following an extended illness.
On July 12, 1939, Judith was born in Zanesville, Ohio, the only child of the late Donald and Gabrielle (Brown) Pettit. She graduated from Zanesville High School, and furthered her education at the Ohio State University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education.
During high school, Judith met a young man in the marching band, James E. Caldwell, who she kept reconnecting with over the years, and before they knew it a relationship was formed. They were married on December 26, 1961, shortly before he enlisted to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. Together they shared fifty four years of marriage, and lovingly raised a daughter, Jennifer.
For 38 years, Judith worked as an elementary school teacher, teaching every grade except 4th. She spent time with Marion City Schools at Mark Street Elementary, Oakland Heights Elementary, Vernon Heights Elementary, and George Washington Elementary School. She also was a member and past president of the Marion Education Association.
A woman of faith, Judith was a member of the Prospect Street United Methodist Church, where enjoyed playing in the bell choir and orchestra. Over the years, she also volunteered at Marion General Hospital Hospice.
Having a lifelong love for music, Judith loved playing the clarinet, especially with the Marion Concert Band. She also was a member of the Marion Senior Center Choir.
Some of Judith’s favorite pastimes were reading, bowling and swimming. Those most important of all to her, were her beloved grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with them, and loved attending any event they were in.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, James Caldwell; daughter and son-in-law, Jenny (Jeff) Hart; and two grandchildren: Colin and Tierza Hart.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, at the Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home, 347 W. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will also be held there at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, with Pastor Therese Lehman officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, her family would like to encourage everyone to take their loved one’s out to dinner…and if you need a suggestion they would have picked Perkins.
Her family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of the caring staff and doctors at the Marion Manor, for their tender loving care of Judith.
Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Judith’s family and your thoughts and condolences may be shared with them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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