In Tribute to Judy Sheard...
Judith Ann Sheard, our Pastor of Visitation and Worship, passed away suddenly after suffering a massive stroke late in the afternoon of Sunday, January 23. 2022. Her passing was quite a shock to our church, as Judy was in worship with us that morning, and was an integral part of this faith community for nearly 40 years. Judy shared her multitude of gifts with the church family with joy, energy, humility and kindness. Whether it was preaching sermons about life, playing inspiring music, sharing children’s stories to which everyone could relate, or teaching an accepting but challenging Sunday School class, Judy touched our lives in these ways and others. Her most recent joy was putting supplies into the Blessing Box outside our church building each day, so that those who could use a few cans of food or some personal care items could get them. Yet we also know that she touched many lives beyond just those in our congregation, as Judy taught in Montessori schools for 40 years, was instrumental in bringing the Suzuki method for teaching piano to the Philadelphia area, and taught piano lessons to young students up until her death.
The congregation held a memorial service for Judy, open to everyone, on Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022. You may still view that serice via YouTube at https://youtu.be/Jf-XmvtTvuc
Judy's family has requested that in lieu of flowers or cards, memorial gifts be directed either to the Ambler Church of the Brethren, to St Jude’s Children's Hospital, or to the Shriners.
We all grieve Judy's passing. Her smiles, her laughs, her thoughtful ways of caring and serving... it was who she was, and she is missed.