AMAZING JOURNEY Special Edition Chapter AJ Says Goodbye to One of Their Own A Special Tribute to Judith Butler Johnson Schweikert November 24, 1939 - December 9, 2013 Taken from the Park Record, December 14-17, 2013: Judith Butler Johnson Schweikert (Judi) passed away on Dec. 9, 2013, in Park City, having just turned 74. She was born Nov. 24, 1939, in Laconia, NH to Carl and Florence Johnson (née Dunningham). She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Daniel Schweikert; their three children: Eric, Karl, and Kristen Schweikert Humphrey; and their five grandchildren: Anne, Edward, Margaret, George, and Alden. After growing up in Winthrop, MA, Judi graduated from Smith College in 1961 with a BA in English. She married Dan on Aug. 12 of that year, and moved to Mystic, CT, where she taught high school English. After Eric was born, she taught part time and studied English at the Univ. of RI, earning an MA in 1966. After graduation, Judi and Dan moved to Berkeley Hgts., NJ. Karl and Kristen were born in the area. For several years Judi was primarily a mom, volunteering for organizations like the Masterwork Chorus, AAUW, and the League of Women Voters the AAUW book sale was a favorite event of the kids. The family moved to Colorado Springs, CO, in 1980. Judi taught English part-time at Pikes Peak Community College. She also sang in the Colorado Springs Chorale and volunteered for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, becoming head of the FAC volunteers. The Colorado Gazette covered her FAC going-away luncheon, which was attended by 75 people. In 1988 the family moved to San Jose, CA, where Judi earned an M.A. in counseling at San Jose State University in 1995. Judi became Director of the Noyce Foundation Scholarship program, where she recruited reviewers to select and guide high school sophomores to prepare for college. She also sang in the SJSU Chorale and later with the Santa Clara University Chorale. PAGE 1
continued... Judi and Dan moved to Park City in 2004 where Judi skied and volunteered with enthusiasm at over a dozen organizations including PC Mountain Resort (as a mountain host), PEO, Sundance, the PC Performing Arts Foundation, Utah Symphony Chorus, and as in most places where she lived, her church choir. Most recently she worked for the PC Museum. The family prefers that donations be made to the higher educational institute of your choice or to PEO. For donations to PEO, please make check out to: PEO Chapter AJ w/ memo line Judi Schweikert memorial and mail to Patti Sanborn. A Service of Rememberance was held December 13 at the Park City Community Church. Reflections on the service: Pastor Tracy opened the service with prayer. Before addressing the standing room only crowd, she introduced Judi s daughter Kristen to lead Personal Rememberances. Seeing and listening to Kristen was as if Judi was in our presence. Kristen is an exact version of Judi, personifying Judi s dry wit and clever reparte. Judi s dear friends next took a turn describing their first encounters and the profound friendships they created between them. It would be most appropriate to remember Judi with song and the service was not lacking for music. Great is Thy Faithfulness was sung by all in attendance followed by the PC Mountain Chancel Choir singing The King of Love My Shepherd Is. The PC Singers joined the Chancel Choir to sing Hallelujah from Handel s Messaih which brought everyone to their feet. Following the service Chapter AJ sisters hosted a reception with refreshments allowing family and friends to visit and exchange memories of Judi while viewing a slide show of her life. This poem was included: Lake Isle of Innisfree I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made; Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee, And live alone in the bee loud glade. And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; There midnight s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, And evening full of the linnet s wings. I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey, I hear it in the deep heart s core. - W. B. Yeats PAGE 2
NOTES FROM YOUR PRESIDENT: BONDS OF SISTERHOOD PEO is truly a unique organization. We have the opportunity to assist women with their education through our philantrophies to help them attain their goals and realize their potential. Helping women Reach for the Stars makes a huge difference in the lives of women from all over the world. This is an important part of our Bonds of Sisterhood. We also have the opportunity to connect with each other in many personal ways. Our Opening Ode tells us we are sisters in heart and spirit. Our Objects & Aims ask us to express a loving concern for each sister. We are a gift to each other, connecting through friendships we make along the way. Our friendships with older and younger women certainly help us expand our outlook and support our mental well-being. We try hard to show compassion, empathy, support and love for each other. This is another important part of our Bonds of Sisterhood. We realize how important PEO is when one of our dear sisters passes away. Our hearts are heavy over our recent loss of Judi. So when you see one of your sisters hug them! And know you have a bond through our sisterhood. Judi as We Know Her... PAGE 3
I truly enjoyed Judi's spirited dialog when she was Treasurer and we were discussing the Chapter Budget, specifically Philanthropies. She was a great sister and was willing to pitch in when the chapter needed her. She will be missed. Therese M. Dues Brunch gathering PEO Fundraise Luncheon I had the opportunity to work with Judi quite a bit when I was president and she was the Treasurer. She was always ready to do what needed to be done, in her quiet and efficient way. But I also remember a fun sense of humor! She was direct, and so was her wit. I don t believe most realize just how much she did, in P.E.O., and in other organizations. Kim C. Judi was one of the first people to welcome me to Park City, and she encouraged me to jump into the activities of the community -- although no one could keep up with HER! She was always involved, always insightful, always caring. A vibrant, enthusiastic woman, a role model for so many. She leaves her memorable stamp on our town, and on everyone who has known her. We were so fortunate to have her as a sister and a mentor. I will never again hear Handel's Hallelujah without thinking of her and remembering all the ways she touched our lives. Lynne R. PAGE 4
I was stunned to hear of our losing Judi. I remember her passion, vitality and intelligence. Her laugh filled the room. I'm so sad knowing I won't see her again. Anita S. Adventurous & athletic... Happy trails, dear sister. Til we meet again... I cannot say, and I will not say That he is dead. He is just away. With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, He has wandered into an unknown land And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since he lingers there. And you - oh you, who the wildest yearn For an old-time step, and the glad return, Think of him faring on, as dear In the love of There as the love of Here. Think of him still as the same. I say, He is not dead - he is just away. - James Whitcomb Riley PAGE 5