A friend\'s passing

[GreyHorde]

It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we mark the unexpected passing of Judith Northwood. The details of this untimely loss are sketchy, but her longtime friend Heather Blush (HMGS East) wrote that Judi awoke in distress around 3:00 AM Monday morning. EMTs were called and she was transported to an area hospital, but her heart stopped en route and she was pronounced dead on arrival. As of this writing, no autopsy results or funeral arragements have been published. Her family is understandably distressed; Judi was the \'baby\' of the family, only 44 years old.

Judi was a friend to a great many people, a veteran instructor and devoted supporter of fine arts, literature, history, gaming and more. A brilliant student and a tireless presence at conventions & trade shows, she was always willing to listen, coach, teach and generously share her considerable artistic talent and knowledge. Yet she was approachable and eager to learn from any exchange, as well. Judi was instrumental in developing miniatures hobby events and workshops for the Origins Game Fair, and with GAMA and HMGS her vision of an Art College is moving forward for 2009.

I cannot really explain the impact Judi\'s wisdom and encouragement had on me in our all-too-brief friendship. It was my honor and privilege to call her both mentor and friend. I am deeply saddened by her sudden, untimely passing. She will be missed.

 

[airhead]

GreyHorde, I am sorry for your and our loss.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Always quite a blow. Lost my dad not long ago. I know the numb shock you may feel.

 

[JesterzUSMC]

We\'re here for ya\' pal.
I know how thankful I was to this group when I lost my Aunt.
But one of our own...we feel for you.

Nice that the Art College will continue on though.

 

[No Such Agency]

That is sad. She sounds like a very talented and outgoing individual who contributed a lot to the painting/gaming community. People who are willing to take the time to share their own talents and experience with others are not as common as they should be, alas.

 

[GreyHorde]

Thanks, all. Judi\'s family and friends appreciate the kind words and support. I know, sounds like a canned response, but truly, it is appreciated.

For those near Cleveland, Ohio or can make the trip, there will be a memorial service at Amasa Stone Chapel,
Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, on the campus of Case Western University, where Judi was completing her PhD and where she taught. The service is Friday, March 20, 2009, from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM. The address is 10940 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, (216)368-8961

The family welcomes everyone to attend the Case service, but asks not to have a lot of flowers sent. The family will be asking that donations be made in Judi\'s name to a cause to be named later.

 

[airhead]

OK, I don\'t know everyones\' real name vs. handle around here.

You couldn\'t perhaps tell us her CMON handle could you?

(I feel bad asking, but cannot not ask any longer.)

 

[GreyHorde]

That\'s quite alright, Airhead, thanks for asking. I know very few real names vs. handles, myself, and can\'t keep them straight until meeting up at a convention a couple of times.

As far as I know, Judi didn\'t have a CMON handle, but she was on Reaper and Wyrd forums as Judith_Northwood. She was more active in historical circles, plus Origins and Mini-Painter groups on Yahoo! and Google. I just thought that since the community is really so small, and there is so much overlap in forums and interests, that I am sure a number of people out here knew her. I hope some will take a moment to post up their recollections, maybe some photos.

 

[airhead]

Thank you. I used to be active in Reaper\'s forums, and dabbled over at Wyrd. Like you said, if you make a few conventions, you\'re likely to meet a lot of the people in our circles.

And if you haven\'t met them, you might have chatted or posted with them... The internet has really allowed the virtual meet n greets - even if physical ones were impossible.

Again, we are all sorry for the loss to our community as well as your loss of a friend.