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Judith Marchbanks Findlay

5/14/1943 - 2/14/2023

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Obituary For Judith Marchbanks Findlay

May 14, 1943 – February 14, 2023 Judith Marchbanks Findlay EdD, died in Norfolk VA on February 14, 2023, at the age of 79. Her legacy will reach far and wide through the work of the hundreds of teachers she influenced during her 55-year career. Judy inspired so many people to dream bigger and reach farther than they ever thought possible. She formed lifelong connections with her students and was most proud to see them grow into talented educators. Judy was born in Cassville, Missouri in 1943 to Lucille Ellis Johnston Faulkner and Howard Marchbanks, and was raised by Lucille and Kenneth Johnston. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1965 and then began her life as a teacher in the Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia. Judy continued her teaching career in the Arlington public schools and then at The George Washington University (GWU) and American University in Washington, DC. She obtained a doctorate in Education from GWU in 2000. As an educator, Judy was far ahead of her time. She focused on learning as a process, not an outcome. She was the architect of several progressive educational programs, including the Afterschool Program (through the GWU Reading Center) and travel abroad programs, leading numerous groups of students. Judy believed deeply in the power of education to improve communities and she worked tirelessly to build better futures for all our children. She was passionate about spreading her ideas internationally and spent the later portion of her career focused on improving education in the Middle East and South Asia. After retiring from the universities, she started the non-profit company One Sky International to continue her life’s work and she helped to build a school for girls in Lahore, Pakistan. She never considered retiring from teaching. The family is planning a memorial gathering at their home in Norfolk on Friday February 24th from 5-8pm. There will be a burial service this summer in Cassville, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to support The Williams School Preschool (www.thewilliamsschool.org/giving). Simply Cremation is assisting her family. Please share memories and condolences at SimplyCremationOnline.com

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Condolences

  • 04/10/2023

    Yvette G. Murphy

    My deepest condolences to Judy's family and friends and everyone she touched with her warmth, creativity, brilliance, and love. Judy was so compassionate and intuitive. Most recently, she told me, "Trust yourself." I needed to hear that in that moment and will carry her wisdom and spirit with me always. She is deeply missed.

  • 02/21/2023

    Tiffany

    Dr. Judy was a force of nature with a heart that embraced the world <3. As sassy as she was classy (always dressed to the nines), she made an impact on so many of us students-which continue to reverberate, beyond space and time.

  • 02/16/2023

    Victoria Benjamin

    My deepest condolences to the family. I enjoyed her company, her sense of humor, and her knowledge. She will never be forgotten God bless you and keep you

  • 02/16/2023

    Megs Tolbert

    Dr Judy Findlay, you made it feel like I always had a home to go. You taught me to love myself all while laughing at the diseases we were cursed with. Your love for literature mixed with your humor made you a friend I'll never forget. I'll always love you. I'll see you again on the other side. ❤️💔❤️💔❤️

  • 02/16/2023

    Sabrina Dixon

    My condolences goes to the family.We had good times together.Will truly be missed. Sabrina Dixon ❤️❤️🙏🙏

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