Judith Halverson Sheldon's Obituary
Judith Sheldon Obituary
Judith Halverson Sheldon passed away in her sleep January 17, 2021 at the age of 97. Judy was born February 20, 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Henry and Dorothy Halverson. Early in Judy's life the family relocated to Carthage, Texas. It was there that Judy grew up during the Great Depression. Writing about those times, she described them as filled with the everyday childhood activities of reading books about animals and adventures, writing stories and poems, drawing, singing, playing outside with friends, and exploring in the woods and along creek beds where she lived. She also wrote of her mother's resourcefulness in making their clothes and even stretching meals to help strangers in need. "What we gain from adversity and hard times is not to be underestimated." In Judy’s teenage years, during World War II, the family moved back to Minneapolis, where she was gratefully able to attend the Minneapolis School of Art. During the same time, she worked at Art Instruction, Inc. teaching art students who were taking correspondence courses through the mail. The group of fellow instructors became lifelong friends and her years working with them were some of her fondest, and most amusing, memories. An introduction from an acquaintance led to a whirlwind romance with her husband-to-be, Warren, and then to a marriage three months later in Georgia, where Warren was starting his medical school internship. The couple (and their collie) relocated to the San Francisco Bay area, where they explored the West Coast’s natural beauty during their free time. Judy returned to Minneapolis during the Korean War while Warren was stationed in Japan. The couple with three children moved from Minneapolis to Oberlin, Ohio in 1955 and then added two more children to the family. Certainly raising five children was an exhausting full-time activity. However, Judy was able to put her creativity and wit to excellent use in that endeavor. Art, reading, music, and nature were integral components of her children’s lives. So, too, were humor and a sense of playfulness. Her love of reading and language permeated the household and led to bedtime stories, word games and the frequent command to "Look it up". Judy's friends will confirm that she was rarely without her New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle. She modeled the importance of empathy, responsibility, and giving, as she was an avid supporter of numerous organizations devoted to conservation and social justice issues. Living in Oberlin for the past 66 years provided the ideal environment for Judy to pursue her many interests. Judy enjoyed connecting with local artists as she continued to work throughout her life creating numerous paintings, sketches and commissioned portraits of community members and their children. Many a city tennis tournament found Judy, an avid tennis player, in its participant roster and sometimes also as a doubles finalist or champion. She and Warren loved living in Oberlin because of the easy access to classical music concerts and museum visits in town and the surrounding Cleveland area. Judy was also a dedicated bird watcher. Through bird watching Judy cultivated a network of friends, especially a group of fellow birders whose enduring, sustaining friendships she cherished. With these intrepid Oberlin women she travelled the globe to experience the world of birds, nature, the art and music of different cultures and most importantly, adventure. We treasure these memories brought to life in Judy's poetically written journals, seen through the eyes of the artist, that document her appreciation of the humorous encounters and mishaps that inevitably occur during such adventures. Judy often remarked at how fortunate she was and recognized the importance of balancing ones personal interests with the responsibility of service to others. She was involved in many community organizations including Meals on Wheels, the PTA, League of Women Voters, and Friends of the Public Library. She also served three terms on the Oberlin City Council. Judy is survived by her sons, Mark, Doug (Dorothy), and Steve (Deanna); daughter, Jane (Bob); sister, Joyce; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Warren; daughter, Ann; sister, Ruth; and a brother, David. There are no services planned at this time due to COVID restrictions. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions to the Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society or Oberlin community Services. The family thanks everyone at Kendal At Home, SeniorBridge, FirstChoice, and Mercy New Life Hospice.
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