Judith Mann Schwabe, 87

Great Educator and Gourmet Cook Who Instilled Etiquette
Mrs. Judith M. Schwabe, of Hampden, Massachusetts, passed away early in the morning on September 24, 2019. Born on July 19, 1932, in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was the only child of Helen Mansfield and Guy Webster Mann. Judy spent her adolescent childhood in Hampden, Massachusetts where she was raised at "The Castle" on Rockadundee Road with her mother and aunt. It was here that she volunteered to teach Sunday school at the Hampden Federated Church and remained a member for 73 years. Judy graduated from Classical High School and then Fitchburg State Teacher's College with a BS in Education. Soon after graduating Judy married the love of her life and husband of 62 years, Walter P Schwabe II (deceased). 'Walt and Judy' lived in Hampden for 48 years and joyfully raised their four children instilling cherished traditions for the family. When not teaching, you would find Judy in the kitchen with Walt preparing exquisite gourmet meals for their family and friends. One Christmas she published a recipe book for all of the children with the family recipes called "The Best Ever". As a connoisseur of fine dining cooking, she was inspired by Julia Childs, James Beard, and Martha Stewart. Every dinner party she prepared, no matter how big or small, was presented with proper etiquette, as she always had Emily Post's book in reaching distance. She was a direct descendent of Horace Mann and followed in his footsteps to became a great educator. Teaching and educating children became her life's passion. She taught at Green Meadows Elementary School in Hampden before moving to Sumner Avenue School in Springfield, where she would spend the next 30 years teaching third grade inner-city children. One of her main contributions was to not only educate the students, but to also educate the parents that their involvement with their child's education was crucial. At her retirement party, two graduates of Harvard University attended to pay respect and thank her for being their most influential teacher. She received several recognitions and awards for her accomplishments throughout her career. For the past eight years, Judy resided at Orchard Valley at Wilbraham where she remained very active in that community and was cared for gracefully by the wonderful people there. Judy left a positive mark on everyone who met her because of her love for life and the genuine interest she had for others. Judy cherished family above all else and was the loving mother to one son and three daughters. W. Paul Schwabe III and his wife Pamela of Harwich, MA, Gretchen S. Wilcox and her husband Daniel (deceased) of Bernardsville, NJ, Beth Osborne and her husband Peter of Toronto, Ontario and Ingrid Schwabe of Hampden, MA. She is survived by her five grandchildren who she adored: Meghan Kathryn Troop, Blake Lynn Miller, Seth Bradford Chafee, Wesley Mansfield Wilcox and Bridget Browning Wilcox. A Memorial Service will be held at Hampden Federated Church, in Hampden MA October 18, 2019, beginning at 11:30. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made out to Springfield Public Schools/JMS or Hampden Federated Church/JMS and mailed to W. Paul Schwabe III, P.O. Box 246, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Donations will be used to support children's educational programs.