Judith Shaubach Thompson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Judith Shaubach Thompson, on July 7, 2024, at the age of 81. Judi, as she was known, was born on January 22, 1943, and was a long-time resident of Cranford and Westfield. Judi was an only child and grew up in Lancaster, PA, with her parents, Esther and Park Shaubach. Judi attended Penn State University, where she earned a BA in Education. While attending PennState University, Judi was a baton twirler with the band. After graduating from Penn State University, Judi worked on Wall Street for a few years before following her passion for teaching. Judi was primarily a high school teacher during her 35+ years working for the Elizabeth Board of Education. For 5 of those 35+ years Judi was part of a “First of its Kind” teaching program in NJ public schools that was part of the Child and Infant Development Center in Elizabeth. This “First of its Kind” program was called the “Teen Mothers Program,” and Judi taught pregnant teens core studies and life skills in a safe environment.

Judi “loved” life and did her very best to live life to its fullest. In her free time, Judi loved taking walks, reading, watching Jeopardy and Law & Order, and sending birthday cards, cards of inspiration and thinking of you cards to family and friends. Judi loved spending Friday nights at Rosie’s Wine Bar in Garwood with her friends. Judi had a great sense of humor and loved learning and engaging in conversations (no matter the topic), spending time with her family, watching Breakfast at Wimbledon, attending Penn State football games from time to time, traveling, and helping others. Judi loved attending the Community Players theatre in Westfield. Judi was a very active member of the First Congregational Church of Westfield, where she took part in many events and took a lot of pride in sponsoring young church members seeking their confirmation.

Judi was a Charter Member of Club 43, which was a unique club. All members were born in 1943 and lived in Westfield. The group supported life milestones together, supported each other through the ups and downs of life, and a book was even written and published in 2006 called Club 43. Judi was also a member of DAR – Daughters of the American Revolution, and she belonged to the Donegal Chapter, NSDAR in Lancaster, PA.

Judi was a devoted wife, mother, and mother-in-law, and was known as one of the kindest and most caring individuals anyone could ever meet. Judi is survived by her mother, Esther Shaubach; her husband of 53 years, Richard Preston Thompson; her son, Chad Adams Thompson, her daughter-in-law (who was more like a daughter), Audra C. Wiles Thompson, and her furry four-legged grandchildren, Luna, Ollie, Louie, and Murphy Brown. A Celebration of Life for Judi will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11:00am at First Congregational Church of Westfield (125 Elmer St., Westfield, NJ) with a reception to follow at the church in Patton Auditorium. Arrangements by Gray Funeral Home, Westfield. Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.