JUDITH CHRISTIAN

Judith M. Christian, 70, a longtime resident of Philadelphia, died unexpectedly, Saturday, November 30, at home.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Edward and Marie (Stoltz) Christian, and was a graduate of Saint Nicholas High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from College Misericordia, Dallas, Pa., and her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Marywood College, Scranton, Pa.

Judith launched her career in teaching in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, serving longest at J. M. Coughlin High School, where she was also the girls basketball coach. In 1985, she moved to Philadelphia, where she taught at the Jesuit-run Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School, retiring approximately five years ago. At The Prep, Judy had a long tenure as Chair of the English Department. She also served as moderator of the school newspaper, together with her friend, the late Julia Rodgers. Judy and Julie were digital publishing experts who greatly enhanced the Prep’s messaging. In addition, Judy was the recipient of The Ignatian Award, the Prep’s highest honor. Her students have gone on to distinguish themselves in the fields of journalism, editing, and various other national pursuits. 

Judy was an avid reader and maintained a wide net of friends and former students who shared her enthusiasm for the written word. She was a consummate professional and dedicated teacher, recognizing the potential in every student entrusted to her. Her legacy lies in the thousands of lives she touched as a teacher.

Surviving are brother Edward and wife Margaret, Stroudsburg, PA; her sister, Kathryn Krupsha and husband Andrew, Sugarloaf, PA; nephew, Edward Christian and wife Cynthia, East Stroudsburg, PA; niece Patti Linnnane and husband Matthew, Harrisburg, PA; nephew Christian Krupsha and wife Kimberly, Kingston, Pa.; niece Kerry Pakula and husband Kenneth, Alexandria, VA;  plus 2 great-nieces and 3 great-nephews.  Also surviving are her many friends, especially her longtime friend Dr. Agnes Cardoni and husband John, Dupont, Pa.

Funeral will be Tuesday, December 10, 2019.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12 PM with Visitation from 11 AM to 12 PM at Corpus Christi Church, 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, Pa. Internment will be at St Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp PA.

A Memorial Service will also be held in Philadelphia at a future date.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements provided by Lehman Family Funeral Service.

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