Re. Judith A. Moore, Class of 1966
On Friday, June 9, 2023, Rev. Judith A. Moore, loving sister, dear aunt, loyal friend, inspiring teacher, and devoted minister, passed away at the age of 79. Born in East Cleveland, Ohio Judith graduated from Muskingum College in 1966, received her Master of Arts in Theater at Kent State University in 1974, and then graduated from Colgate Theological Seminary in 1984. Her early career was spent teaching in Wellsville and Baltimore and then at the Willoughby School of Fine Arts, where she taught and directed theater. Ordained at Grace Episcopal Church in Willoughby, Ohio in 1986, Judith was welcomed there as an associate pastor. She later simultaneously served three churches while living in northwest Ohio including Trinity-Episcopal Church, Bryan, OH and Grace Episcopal Church, Defiance, OH. As she was winding down her career, she served as a supply minister to churches in Columbus, Ohio her favorite being St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Her golden days were spent in Albuquerque, NM. While ordination fulfilled Judith's lifelong calling to be a minister in her beloved Episcopal church, during the time she waited for the church to welcome women into the ministry, she flourished as a teacher and a director. She brought a unique perspective to everything she did. Her love of storytelling made her sermons come alive. Her heart for people made her a true friend who was skilled at celebrating others joys and supporting them in their troubles. Those lucky enough to visit the coffee house she started in Wellsville or attend one of her open houses on the longest night of the year will carry fonder memories still. And maybe now she's teaching the three wise men to play canasta or bridge. Judith was preceded in death by her parents, Peg and Herbert Moore. She is survived by her sister Nancy Baxter (Bruce), her brothers Paul (Judy) and John (Susan), eight nieces and nephews, ten great nieces and nephews, and one great-great nephew.