Judith Ann Christensen, 84, passed away Tuesday (August 20, 2024) at MidState Medical Center in Meriden. Born in New Britain, Conn., on December 19th, 1939.
I was given the name Judith Ann Christensen. My parents were Axel Bror Christensen and Evelyn Mildred Swanson. I already had a sister and two brothers who were Gloria, Earl and Roy.
We lived together in Rocky Hill, CT. I graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1957 and upon graduation attended New Haven State College with degrees in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. With a graduate scholarship from the University of Illinois, I was awarded a Masters Degree in Health Education and returned home to Rocky Hill and taught at Washington Middle School in Meriden.
What is now Southern CT State University called me back to teach Health Education. I remained there for 34 years and while teaching obtained my 6th Year Certificate in Special Education. While there, I led summer workshops for Teachers in Drug Education and Sex Education on the graduate level and started the first Sex Education Library at Buley Library.
I began the first competitive synchronized swim team for women, coached basketball and track and field. There were few track and field events for high school girls in the State of CT. Little by little I and Kay Fromer built a strong women’s program not only at Southern but throughout the state.
We trained officials to become the best and they were wanted all over the state and else where. Later I fo.