In Loving Memory
Judith Ann Chandler (née Howell)
23 June 1941 – 18 June 2025

Judith Ann Chandler was born on 23 June 1941 in Leeds, the only child of Harvey and Jean Howell. Despite being born during the war and experiencing the absence of her father while he served in Italy, Judith enjoyed a happy and loving childhood. Even from a young age, she showed her Yorkshire spirit—choosing to polish and save her pennies rather than spend them.

Judith attended Rothwell Grammar School, where she met her future husband and soulmate, Howard Chandler. After finishing school, she pursued teacher training in Derbyshire before moving with Howard to London. There, she began her teaching career in South London, later settling in Wood Green and teaching at Lordship Lane School for many years. Judith had a deep love for teaching, particularly supporting primary school children with reading challenges—a passion that stayed with her throughout her career.

In 1966, Judith and Howard welcomed their daughter, Bronwen, followed by their son, Martin, two years later. Judith was the heartbeat of the family. While Howard built a successful career in the corporate world, Judith focused on creating a warm, happy, and nurturing home. She supported her children’s education and encouraged their involvement in activities like Brownies, Cubs, and sports—all while continuing her teaching career.

Family holidays were a particular highlight, with summers often spent enjoying the Mediterranean sun in Greece, Spain, or Portugal. The family also shared many happy weekends with lifelong friends from their school, college, and early teaching days.

In 1987, Judith and Howard relocated to the United States, with Howard moving first to start a new job, while Judith managed the transition in UK, including oversight of an extensive renovation of their London home. Over the next decade they lived in New Jersey, Minneapolis, and Buffalo. They embraced American life, became U.S. citizens, and relished the opportunity to explore new cultures and places together.

Judith’s family expanded joyfully in the 1990s with the arrival of her four grandchildren: Amy, Owen, Ryan, and Cameron. Although the family was separated by the Atlantic for many years, Judith remained closely involved in their lives—visiting often and spending extended time with them when they were young. A devoted and talented knitter, she ensured each grandchild was well supplied with lovingly made jumpers and blankets. As they grew older, she continued to be a constant, caring presence, always eager to hear their latest news and achievements.

In 1999, Judith and Howard retired to Atlanta, Georgia, to be closer to Martin and his family. Retirement brought new adventures: they traveled widely and made lasting memories with close friends across the globe. In 2011, they returned to the UK and settled in the village of Ixworth, Suffolk, near Bronwen and her family. There, they embraced village life, made many new friends, and spent a happy and fulfilling chapter of their lives.

Wherever Judith lived, she “collected” friends. She had an extraordinary gift for forming deep, meaningful relationships, staying in touch through calls and letters, and showing a genuine interest in everyone’s lives. She was especially supportive to those facing life’s hardest moments, offering unwavering friendship, compassion, and strength. Nobody would spend Christmas alone on her watch, with Judith quick to offer invitations to join us. She did all of this naturally and seemingly effortlessly, and never gave herself enough credit for everything she achieved.

Judith was a person of great faith. Whenever she moved, she was quick to find a new Church and become active in the local Church community. And while in the UK she rarely missed an episode of Songs of Praise, always joining in with the hymns with gusto.

Judith will be remembered for her sense of humour, her bright and warm smile, her deep kindness, and her habit of always putting others before herself. 

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, Howard, and by her parents, Jean and Harvey. She leaves behind her daughter, Bronwen, her son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Julia, and her cherished grandchildren: Amy, Owen, Ryan, and Cameron.

Judith’s family and friends will miss her deeply, and they are grateful for the countless joyful moments, thoughtful words, and steadfast love she shared so generously throughout her life.