Judith Ann Barnett

Judith Ann Barnett, 74, of Secane, PA passed away on January 2, 2022

Judith Ann Barnett the daughter of Albert Benjamin Barnett and Carolyn Barnett (nee Morrow) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 14, 1947. She grew up in Philadelphia, attended public schools, and graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls before earning a linguistics degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Judy, as she was affectionately referred to, began a career as a case manager for the state of Pennsylvania. She then took a position with the city of Philadelphia where she was employed for over 30 years before retiring. Her work was gratifying, but when you consider the fact that she was introduced to her soul mate, William Thomas, by a coworker, her years of employment were even more meaningful.

Throughout her life simple pleasures gave Judy contentment and allowed her to spread the happiness to her loved ones. Indeed, gardening and cooking were more than hobbies to her. She enjoyed both the labor and the harvest. There were always fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden to see and to eat because she photographed, sketched, and painted the beautiful bounty before it could be eaten! Additionally, Judy was a Julia Child and Jack Pepin fan who tried - although not always successfully - to duplicate their cuisine. Still, her cooking was exceptional and you could taste the love in the food she prepared. Likewise, she was very particular about the food she ate - especially fried chicken. “You know, I don’t eat everybody’s fried chicken,” she would say. Notably, she loved Melanie’s pineapple upside-down cake and McDonald’s hot, crispy fries.

Judy’s husband, William, her daughter Melanie, her son-in-love, Ryan and her grandson Miles were her most cherished treasures. She truly delighted in their company and genuinely loved nurturing them and doing whatever she could to help them. Melanie’s earliest memories of her mother include their frequent trips to the library. Judy was an avid reader and delighted in the fascinating experiences you could have by reading a book. Her favorite place, the beach, was where she spent hours reading and thinking. Judy kept notebooks with blue prints of her garden and was a perpetual planner. Perhaps she was looking ahead and trying to figure out the best way to navigate her life. If so, her plans were executed quite well. She overcame obstacles and health challenges, enjoyed the comforts of her home, family, and friends; and most importantly: she gave and received abiding love that lasted a lifetime. The life and times of Judy were remarkable and she will be remembered.

On the morning of January 2, 2022 Judith transitioned from her earthly body to her heavenly body. “Her death leaves a heartache that the Lord will heal; her life leaves a precious memory that none can steal”.

Mourning her loss and celebrating her life are her husband, William Thomas; her daughter, Melanie Aisha Johnson; son-in-law, Ryan B. Johnson; grandson, Miles Ellis Johnson; sister, Alma Barnett-Siler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation January 8, 2021 1pm, O'Leary Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield, PA 19064 and to her Memorial Service 2pm in the Funeral Home. Int. Private Judith's Memorial Service can be viewed here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xSa70IHGZNexzGYfGvXUYChT1DF3Lpu7/view?usp=sharing

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