Judith Kay Reinke (nee Downey) 65, died peacefully on May 4, 2018 at her home following a two year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Elyria May 6, 1952, and lived all her life in Elyria. Judy graduated from Elyria High School in 1970 and was active in the school band and accapella choir.
She attended Baldwin Wallace College; then graduated from Bowling Green University with a Degree in Education, with certification in special education. Judy taught in Avon Lake Schools, and… Read More » through the Educational Service Center of Lorain County. Judy completed her Masters Degree in Education through Ashland University; and supervised the pre-school special education program for Lorain County Early Learning Center.
She retired in 2015, and yet continued to have a special place in her heart for children with special needs in education. Judy enjoyed knitting, cooking, reading to children; especially her grandchildren. A devoted Christian and United Methodist, she was a member of First United Methodist Church in Elyria, and most recently Elyria Community Methodist Church following her husband’s retirement as a Pastor in Amherst.
Judy served on the Superintendency Committee of Firelands District of UMC, and on the Disabilities Awareness Committee of the East Ohio Conference of the UMC. She is survived by her husband; Pastor Daniel Reinke, to whom she was married for forty one years. Two children; Julie Wilmer (Joel) of Elyria, and Kevin Reinke (Katherine) of Englewood, OH.
four grandchildren; Noah, Mollie, Joshua and Gracelyn all of Englewood, OH. , two beloved beagles; Jasper and Wilbur. Judy is also by her brother; Alan Downey (Sue) of North Ridgeville, and four nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; late Norlin and Frances (nee: Pawlikowski) Downey. Friends may call 4-8 PM Monday May 7, 2018 at The Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt.
57) Elyria (440)322-4626. Services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday May 8, 2018 at Community United Methodist Church 680 N. Abbe Rd. Elyria where the family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 AM.
Rev. Kevin Coleman and Rev. Evelyn Bonnell will officiate.
Interment will be at Brookdale Cemetery in Elyria. The Reinke family wishes to extend their gratitude to Cleveland Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital , and Cleveland Clinic Hospice. Memorial contributions in Judy’s memory can be sent to Lorain County Imagination Library 9080 Leavitt Rd.
Elyria, OH 44035. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.
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