Nancy Judith Waite

Do what you can, when you can, while you can.

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Judy Waite who was born on February 14, 1940 and passed away on October 30, 2026 in Edgewood, KY.

Judy will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, amazing sense of humor and compassion.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  She was generous with her time and energy, and never hesitated to support family and friends when asked for help or quietly on her own initiative.

Judy had a Bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University and a Master's degree from Ohio State University.   She was devoted to education both as a full-time kindergarten teacher and later as a contract teacher specializing in alternative energy.  She was scientist at heart and was a self taught expert in solar energy, hybrid cars, sustainable living, and alternative transportation before these ideas became mainstream.  She developed and implemented a first class curriculum suited for young students that involved building solar cookers, designing sustainable cities and learning about hybrid car design.  She never missed an opportunity to talk about the "greenhouse effect!"

In addition to her love of teaching, Judy worked as a special events coordinator for Historic Denver and the Littleton Historical Museum.  She volunteered extensively at the Cerebral Palsy Center, the Freedom Center, Cub Scouts, Campfire Girls, Wilder Elementary School, and led tours of the Molly Brown House, once with only one contact lens! : )

Along with a close friend, she also started her own business, Ristras Unlimited.  The two business owners designed, marketed and sold decorative crafts made from natural materials.  Her biggest seller was "Vampire Insurance" made from garlic cloves.  Her children can attest to the fact that they were never visited by vampires.  

Judy maintained an amazing sense of humor for her entire life.  Her mother once said she had "missed her calling" and felt her humor was on par with Carol Burnett.  She wasn't afraid to let her inner goofiness and youthful spirit shine through. In addition to writing hilarious skits and songs for various birthdays, events and Aspen ski trips (wink), she joyfully converted her home to a haunted house multiple Halloweens and enlisted the neighborhood children to act as ghosts and ghouls.

She was a generous donor to charities such as the World Wildlife Fund, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

She is lovingly survived by: her children, Michael Waite and Nancy Waite; her grandchildren, Shane, Daniel and Susanna; her great grandchild, Henry; her sister, Carolyn; her daughters-in-law, Maria and Jennifer and her granddaughter-in-law Elissa.

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