Judith A. Babyak, age 73 of Newton Falls passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, January 9, 2017. She was born on October 29, 1943, in Warren, Ohio, the daughter of the late Robert D. DeForest & Doris Anita (Clark) DeForest.
Judith was raised on a farm in Braceville with her parents and sister Nancy, along with her extended family which included Aunt Isa and Uncle Bob Clark, Grandmother Lula Angel Clark, Dr. William (Bud) Clark, Sandra Clark and Diane Clark Borger. She was a 1961 graduate of Braceville High School. She graduated from Kent State University in 1965 with degrees in Speech and Theatre Education, Home Economics and Vocational Consumer Education. Judy taught in Windham, Newton Falls and Warren City Schools, retiring after teaching for 37 years.
Judith met her husband, John E. Babyak Jr., on a blind date in 1963. They were married on June 25, 1966 and shared a loving relationship for 42 years before he passed away on October 6, 2008. They are once again dancing the jitterbug together.
Judith had a passion for life and lived it to the fullest. She spent many years performing and teaching dance. She performed in many musicals while in college and in recent years was a dancer in the Trumbull Senior Production Company. Judy was co-chairman of the 1976 Bicentennial festivities for Newton Falls. She initiated and chaired the Newton Falls Beautification Committee which began in 2005. Judy served over 10 years as a member of the Newton Falls Public Library Board of Trustees. She was a member of the 1st Church of Christ Scientist serving on many committees and being the organist and pianist since 1996.
Judy loved spending time gardening, decorating, cooking, baking and crafting, but especially enjoyed being able to share these talents with her granddaughter. She also enjoyed designing and sewing competition dance costumes, wedding attire and creating designer Santa Clauses. Her biggest love was being a grandmother of Nate and Kelli Harrah and being a close part of their lives. She attended all of their activities and was known as “Grandma B” to many within the Valley Extreme Softball Organization.
Memories of Judith will be carried on by her loving family, her daughter Sherri (Barry) Harrah, her sister Nancy DeForest of Warren, and her adored grandchildren, Nathan & Kelli Harrah. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John,
Calling hours were at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls from 1 to 3 pm and 6 to 8 pm Sunday, January 15, 2017. Funeral services were held on Monday Jan. 16, 2017 11:00am at the funeral home, Judith was laid to rest beside her husband John at Lutheran Cemetery in Newton Falls. The family has requested all donations be made to the Newton Falls Beautification Committee, The Flower Fund, 419 N. Center, Newton Falls, OH 44444 or the Newton Falls Public Library Building Fund, 204 South Canal St. Newton Falls, OH 44444 in memory of Judith A. Babyak.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, Ohio 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and friends may view Judith’s obituary online or to send condolences to the family, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com
