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 found SCSU’s Women’s Cross Country Team. I was inducted into Southern’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.
Supervising young student teachers was fun and interesting to see how much they learned from their college lectures. I took charge of teacher placement in the public schools in Connecticut which took me to all corners of the State. I met many people and former students from different lives and cultures and also saw the beautiful country side in my travels.
My life has been full of joy with my travel adventures, cooking, crafting, painting, home improvements and meeting new friends. I was fortunate to be born into such a wonderful loving family and could not ask for anything more of my life on earth. May others be so lucky.
Now that I am at rest, I wish you peace and understanding and may God touch your hearts as he has mine. Judy was predeceased by her parents Axel and Evelyn Christensen and siblings Gloria, Earl and Ronald Christensen. She will be greatly missed by her brother Roy Christensen, nieces Stacy Veley and Sharon Von Ogden, nephews Todd Christensen, Tate Veley and Jayson Veley, friends/caregivers Carol Mirakian and Sharlene Drackett and many dear cousins.
We gratefully acknowledge the staff at MSMC Pavillion E, Hospice and the Palliative Care Teams for their devoted compassionate care. Funeral services will be held Saturday (August 24, 2024) 11 AM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill.
Calling hours are Saturday morning 10 to 11 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Lutheran Church, 77 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051 or to a local animal shelter/rescue. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.
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