Judith (Judy) Ann Schatzman's Obituary
Judith (Judy) Ann Schatzman went home to be with God on Sunday, May 14th (Mother’s Day) at the age of 80. She was born in Amarillo, Texas on June 21, 1942 (Father’s Day). Her father was a career army officer and they moved often as Judy was growing up. She graduated from high school in Germany before starting university in the US. After one year of university she married the love of her life, Thomas (Tim) Schatzman, and over the next 8 years they had four children. Tim was also an army officer, and the theme of moving continued in her life as they lived in 27 different homes over the next 60 years.
Judy was a devoted mother to her four very active boys. She logged countless hours driving them to their sports and activities and crocheted many blankets while she sat in the stands watching their games. She was a consummate encourager of them and continually told them how proud she was of them and how much she loved them.
Judy was determined and persistent. Despite having four children, she continued working on her education, and over the next 13 years she finished her bachelor’s degree and then went on to get her master’s degree in education. She worked as a special education teacher, high school vice principal, and then in curriculum development for Albuquerque Public Schools.
Service and sacrifice were also two big themes in Judy’s life. While living in Panama she took part in diplomatic events with her husband, who was stationed in the Canal Zone as the army attaché at the US embassy. Independently, she also organized a summer day camp for children with special needs and created various community programs to improve the lives of children living in impoverished parts of Panama City. For that work she was awarded Canal Zone Woman of the Year.
People felt listened to and understood in Judy’s presence. She was an excellent question asker and took a genuine interest in getting to know others. The high school where Judy was the vice principal had a large gang presence, and she quickly won their respect as they felt like Judy listened to them and treated them fairly.
Judy and Tim moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2005 and felt instantly welcomed by the new friends they made. She was always appreciative of the staff and residents of Butterfield Trail Village for their friendship and love. The family would like to express gratitude to the staff of Butterfield Trail Village for their treatment and care for Judy in the last period of her life.
Judy’s final years were spent in chronic pain as she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, and stenosis of the spine that severely limited her mobility and quality of life. Despite that, she continued to love others well and show them care and concern. Her family is relieved as they know she is now with God, reunited with Tim in heaven and free from pain.
Judy is preceded in death by Tim, her husband of 60 years. She is survived her four sons Todd, Mark, Mike and Steve and their wives Cyndi, Lisa, Suzanne and Daina; grandchildren Kayla Tedder, Stephanie Schatzman-Bone, Ryan Schatzman, Carson Schatzman, Reid Schatzman, Kristen Schatzman, Grant Schatzman, Emma Lacy, Cader Schatzman, Molly Schatzman, Judson Schatzman, Parker Schatzman and Laynie Schatzman; great grandchildren London Tedder, Oliver Tedder, Lucy Tedder, Caroline Tedder, Ellie Tedder and Ann Clare Schatzman; and her sister Susan Larson and nieces Holly and Brooke. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Butterfield Trail Village on June 5th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the BTV Foundation designated for the Employee Scholarship Fund.
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