In Memoriam: Judy Schmidt
We give thanks to God for the life of Rev. Julanne B. (Judy) Schmidt who passed into the heavenly sheepfold the morning of February 10, 2012. Judy died peacefully with her family around her. On her recent birthday, January 28, Judy celebrated her 82nd year.
Many of us enjoyed a long friendship with Judy and appreciated her wonderful spirit and service to others. She was a primary and elementary teacher for many years, a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Judy came simultaneously to CGS and to ordination to the diaconate in the late 1980s. She was active in our association for many years, serving on the CGSUSA board and also as a member of the formation and discernment committees; she was also a formation leader on many local, regional and national courses and assisted us in the distribution of the materials manuals. Judy was a representative of the Consiglio, the International Council of CGS. She lived and studied in Centro de Catechesi in Rome in 1990-1991, returning to Glen Ellyn, Illinois, at St. Barnabas, where she continued her work in the atrium. For many years, she opened her home for board meetings and formation committee meetings. Her delightful smile and amazing energy belied her age.
Judy’s primary concern as a member of the board was that we maintain a high degree of integrity in the formation of catechists and in the preparation of our materials. She saw the importance of this as a direct reflection of the precious gift God has given children and adults alike, in learning to listen to His Voice through the work of Sofia Cavalletti, Gianna Gobbi and their colleagues around the world.
In response to this news about Judy, Francesca Cocchini, member of the Executive Committee of the International Council, writes, “Yes, it is sad news, but Judy's smile reassures us that there is a GOOD news, news which "evangelizes": Judy is a very dear friend; Sofia loved her; she LOVES her very much! All of us here in Rome remember Judy with admiration and great affection.”
We are grateful for Judy and the ways she shared her gifts and talents. May she be greeted by her family, Tina, Sofia, Gianna, Fr. Mongillo, Maria, and Tilde - and many others who are saying: wonderful work, good and faithful servant.
The wake will be at Leonard Funeral Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 | 630-469-0032 on Monday, February 13, 2012, 3 - 8 pm.
The funeral will be at noon on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at St. Barnabas. The address at St. Barnabas is 22W 415 Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn, Illinois.