Judith A " Judy" Read

Judith A. "Judy" Read, 76, went home to be with the Lord on May 12, 2016 from complications of pancreatic cancer.

Judy embraced life with great commitment, passion and love for family, friends and community. Always friendly, warm, positive, and selfless, she inspired many. She was born on April 29, 1940 to Dr. and Mrs. Leroy R. Licklider. After graduation from Buchtel High School, she attended the University of Akron. While there she met Roger Read. They graduated together in 1963 and were married in July of that year. Judy taught school for a number of years before becoming a full time mother upon the birth of Scott in 1968.

Judy's devotion to the local community was unparalleled. She served as Chair, United Disability Services; President, Women's Committee, University of Akron; President, Akron Area League of Women Voters; Chair, Akron Blind Center; and Chair, The Bath Horse Show. In addition, she served many other organizations including the Akron Community Foundation, United Way, Bath Church and Akron Symphony. For her efforts, Judy received numerous distinguished community awards including the Akron Community Foundation's Women's Endowment Fund and Advocacy Award, Bath Community Fund Legacy Award, University of Akron Women's Committee Community Leadership Award, University of Akron Honorary Doctorate, Torchbearer's Friends of Young Leader's Award, Elizabeth A. Dalton Greenleaf Family Center Award, H. Peter Burg Red Cross Community Leadership Award, and United Way Distinguished Service Award.

Judy and the Read family wish to thank friends, family, Judy's personal physician, Dr. Melodie Phillips, ClearPath Home Health Care, and the VNS Hospice Care Center, all of whom reached out to her with care, love, and prayers as she faced with dignity and courage her final months.

She is survived by her husband, Roger; son, Scott (Kim); grandchildren, Garrett and Brandon; brother, James Licklider of Louisiana; and sister, Bonnie Shemanski of Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Bath Church, United Church of Christ, 3980 W. Bath Rd., Akron 44333, with Rev. Mark W. Frey officiating. Friends may call 3-8 p.m. Thursday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bath Church or a charity of choice. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)