Judith Maxwell Barrett, 87, former resident of Mansfield, Ohio died peacefully from heart complications on January 12th, 2024. She was surrounded by family in Sherman Oaks, California, a place she had called home for the past two years.
Judith was born on June 12,1936 in Mansfield to Frank Hugh Maxwell, MD who was a local doctor and Leeta Ruhl Maxwell, a Mansfield school teacher. Judy grew up in Mansfield and lived at 103 Parkwood Blvd with her younger sister Molly and was a 1954 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. Judy, her preferred name, was as lively and energetic as they come. Though her frame was petite, her personality was anything but. With a quick and biting wit, she left an indelible mark on everyone she met
She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Harbor and was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. In 1957, she married Bill Barrett. They started a family in Ann Arbor, Michigan and in 1968 decided to move to New York to further Bill’s career as a sculptor. They settled in Hastings-on-the Hudson, NY. Judy taught English at Irvington High School for over 20 years. Known for her ability to readily engage her classrooms, she became a favorite among her students, teaching English, but also challenging and supporting them on their own paths into adulthood. She was also not afraid to speak up for women’s rights and on one occasion (and possibly many more!) stood up for her students’ video project that highlighted funding inequities in their school following the new Title IX ruling. She was so proud of these girls and their work that she took it to the school board to advocate and share their message. Judith was placed on suspension for doing so. On another occasion, after being placed on “leave” for becoming pregnant with her third child, she fought to return to the classroom and negotiated a new contract with much support from her students and fellow teachers who quickly realized what a loss it was to not have Mrs. Barrett around! She was not a force to be reckoned with!
Intense when she needed to be, Judy treated everyone like family, like she’d known you for years. Her heart was always open and accompanied by that fiery, feisty spirit so you always knew what she thought, whether you liked it or not! And always with a loving heart and a twinkle in her eye. Students reached out later in life to ensure she knew the impact she had on them. Judy loved the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce. One such student noted that “Mrs. Barrett was funny, forthright, and empowered” and that sure does capture the Judy we all knew and loved!
Judith also embraced a life of adventure traveling abroad to Wales to teach English for a year and then moved to New York City (a place she also adored and thrived in) after retiring from Irvington. She loved the sunshine, socializing with friends over dinner and a show, getting exercise, and always enjoyed a good stiff drink or two.
She is survived by her three children: Kevin Barrett of Duxbury, Massachusetts, Alex Barrett of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Shannon Barrett Prynoski of Los Angeles, California.
There will be a celebration of life in NY on February 17,2024 at the Church of St. Luke’s in New York City.
Donations in her memory can be made the Planned Parenthood.