Obituary of Judy Nash PhD

Judy Marguerite Nash, Ph.D., a dreamer, an adventurer, and an educator who emboldened her students and all who knew her to love learning and live their dreams, lost her battle with dementia on October 20, 2014 with those who loved her by her side. Born March 29, 1935 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Timothy J. and Gertrude Cain Nash. She had one brother, Timothy J. Nash III, who predeceased her. Judy graduated from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY before earning her Masters and Doctorate at Catholic University. Her odyssey as an educator took her from Barcelona, to Boston, to US Virgin Islands and then to Fairfax County, VA and Newark, DE. She was a teacher and administrator in Fairfax County from 1964 until 1986. She taught at Hybla Valley Elementary from 1964-1969 before becoming an assistant principal at Greenbriar East in 1969. In 1972 she became principal at Freedom Hill Elementary, where she remained until she opened Fox Mill Elementary in 1979. In 1984 she left Fox Mill for an internship position at the American Association of School Administrators in Arlington and returned to Fairfax County as a staff development specialist. In 1986 she took the position of Director of Elementary Education for the Christina School District in Newark, DE. Her last stop was her position as Director of Programming for AASA where she served from 1989-1995, ending her career there as a consultant in 1996. Her work with the association included collaborative efforts with school districts in Thailand, Korea, US Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic. She participated in seminars at Oxford and the Harvard Institute for School Leadership. Judy also was a certified trainer for the Covey Leadership Program. Judy loved the sea. As a little girl she spent the summers at her grandparents' home on Fire Island where she loved to greet arriving visitors, offering free baggage service in her red wagon. Her love of the sea continued throughout her lifetime. She was an avid sailor and spent many happy days at her beach homes in Delaware and St. John, USVI. Much could be said about Judy's zest for life, the brightness of her smile, the energy she brought to all she did. But Judy also must be remembered for all those she encouraged, influenced, inspired to learn, to love and embrace life. Judy did not want a memorial service. That was not her style. Instead, she would want each of you to embark on an adventure, learn something new, make someone happy. Sail on, Judy. Sail on! As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made to charities involving children or animals.