Judy Ann Metcalf, 69, passed away Thursday evening, November 7th, 2013, in Lawrence, KS surrounded by her loving family.
Judy was born on March 1, 1944, in Ottumwa, IA to Emery and Phyllis Humphrey. She spent her grade school years in Pine River MN. Her family then moved to Mullen, Nebraska where she graduated from high school. She received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Nebraska in 1970.
She taught in Nebraska and in various schools on the east coast, completing her teaching career in Fairfax County Virginia. After retiring she pioneered new teaching methods in Educational Kinesiology and Brain Gym. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, participating in her cohousing community and she will be missed by many.
A celebration of her life will be held at the 7:00 PM on 11/24/13 at Delaware Commons, 1218 Delaware St. in Lawrence, KS.
Memorial donations may be made in Judy’s name to BrainGym International, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
She is survived by her two sons, Pete Boyer (Mona Russell), Will Boyer (Darla). Grandchildren Hailey, Jasmine, Avery and Drewe Boyer. Brother Gary (Joyce) Humphrey and Sisters Carol (Larry) Pearson, Leiloni (Mike) Young, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by parents Emery & Phyllis Humphrey, nephew Mark Humphrey, both sets of grandparents, and a cousin.
My condolences to the family for the loss of your mom, grandma, sister, etc. She was so found of her family. I got to see her Nov 1, she was in a hurry to get home because she wanted to rest up, and plan some “play time” with her kids and grandkids. I will miss her smile, kind heart and love for learning. Her passion brought greatness to the field, and to anyone that came around her.
Judy was a generous, open, selfless, and loving woman. I will miss her dearly. She was a true listener. She was very involved with my program for seniors citizens called “Move With Balance”. She supported me and spurred me on to complete the book and get the program available for replication. She was truly an inspiration to me. she came to Hawaii to visit me and pushed me along. I Love and miss her so much. Aloha, Judy.
Love your sister, friend, and colleague, Karen “Freesia”
A truly wonderful memorial honoring Judy tonight of family, friends, neighbors, Brain Gym colleagues, and a room full of people who love her from around the country – KS, MN, CA, PA, NE, VA, OH, IA. The youngest to the oldest voiced their appreciation of her teaching them to go with the flow, let it be and have fun! Thanks, Judy, we all did PACE and had a great time reminiscing —and sharing our deep feelings of loss without you here. May your spirit journey be full of light and love.
To the Family and Friends of Judy:
Judy was a special lady. I appreciate her love for movement and her kindness that she expressed. Judy was an inspiration to me. I will remember her encouragement and support for my developing love for Brain Gym.
May you find comfort and compassion in this time of loss.
A friend from Brain Gym.
Sherry Happel
We heard about Aunt Judy & are sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a parent. Aunt Judy was a special part of our lives
Will and Darla,
We are so sorry for your loss. We met your Mother once and she was such a joy and interesting person to talk with. Our thoughts and prayers are with.
The Brain Gym family has lost a powerful leader whose commitment to movement, community, and self-improvement brought the joy of learning to many. Judy started the Washington, D.C., network for Brain Gym® Instructors, mentoring countless teachers and parents as well as students. I will always think of Judy with love. She was my friend, and I’ll miss her.
I knew and loved Judy for many years. Out of her passion for movement-based learning, she regularly taught and sponsored a great variety of courses. Judy was not only a pioneer but a caring networker. She was an important presence in the Edu-K community, and she will be deeply missed by many.
Sending you loving thoughts.
I send my love to her family that I know were such an active part of her life. She so enjoyed her grandchildren and were very proud of her sons.
Judy was my heart sister. I have known her for almost 30 years, and she, of all the Brain Gym community has been my greatest support and comrad. We have spent many hours together, sharing our lives, our dreams, and I have always loved her positive outlook, humor, laughter and great wisdom.
My heart is broken that she is gone from this physical existence, but I do feel her presence and always will.
Judy was a pioneer in the Brain Gym work and never stopped learning. She has touched so many lives, both as a teacher and as a friend and mother. I feel blessed to have had her in my life.
With sincere love, Carla
To her loving sons, please accept my sincere sympathies in the loss of your mother. She was such a wonderful person and I’ve missed her since she moved to KS, but I certainly never forgot her. She and I used to meet at Whole Foods for lunch and conversation, and I attended many meetings with her about Brain Gym. She made a positive impact on everyone she met, because of her generous spirit and heartfelt and loving smile. She loved you dearly and had wonderful things to say about how proud she was of you. Best wishes for a glorious celebration of her marvelous life, barbgiven
Dear Friends and Family of Judy
I only met her a few times. But each time, I was struck by her innovative spirit and her ability to foresee applications of the Educational Kin. work She struck me as a very tender and caring person, and I know she gave and served from the heart.
My sympathies go out to you at this time … for the separation. My her memory always bless those she loves.
Sharon Plaskett
Will and Darla, whom I know personally; Pete and Mona, whom I know through a family album;
Reading through the condolences here, you all will know the depth and breath of your mother’s impact in the lives of many. Her expression of love for her family often brought tears to her eyes as her heart opened so deeply.
May you all feel her love around you and my you all see the love she left behind through the comments of others.
May you be with joy and ease now and forever
So sorry about the sad news. My deepest condolences to Judy’s family, friends and colleagues.
Judy, what a light and pioneer for children, adults and movement you brought to the Northern Virginia area. You have made a shift in my life in many ways, thank you for your dedication. I send love and condolences to your family.
Colleen Small
I met Judy around 2000 when she hosted an Brain Gym practicum update. From that time on, she has been a friend. We spoke often and had worked together several times over the years. I co-taught her last class 2 weeks ago. She was always checking in with me and was a wonderful support. It is with great sadness that I say good bye to a colleague and friend.
I will miss our conversations and lunches together.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Nancy Peterson
I met Judy in Washington DC in 2001 or 2002 when she hosted Carla Hannaford’s Balance and Power of Resonance course. We connected right away and I fell in love with her style! I saw her last in Minneapolis a year ago and we had a great time and she was, as always, a great mentor for me. I cannot believe she has moved into the next realm. I will miss her inner light very much. My best to all her family and friends, Elizabeth
Judy was a pioneer in Brain Gym and Brain Gym networks. Her commitment to harmonious relationships and cooperation of Brain Gym Instructors and everyone working together was extraordinary! She learned to play and teach others not to take things so seriously.
We’ll miss you on this side Judy and look forward to playing on the other.
Judy I am so sorry. I will miss you so much.
Bless you.
May you and your family be held in the light.
So many sweet memories of Judy from here at Blueberry Hill. She has always been missed here and her stories are still told here. Her spirit is part of us.
Dear Pete, Will and all of Judy’s family and friends, how sad I feel at your loss. Judy and I met 27 years ago when we both lived in Northern Virginia where she introduced me to Betty and Bret at the “barn”. All three became my family away from home and they introduced me to the wonderful spiritual and metaphysical worlds I had no idea existed. What a journey we went on with stimulating, interesting conversations and new ways of thinking and being. Even though we later lived in different states and spoke only occasionally, we stayed connected and it was like we just saw each other the day before. I can still see her big smile and so happy that she lived life “her way”. Judy was always, always kind, loving and accepting of everyone. She was a bright light in our world and she will be missed.
Will and Pete,
Will and Pete,
I was so shocked and sadden to hear that Judy had passed away. Although I had not seen her in a while, I am so grateful that she was part of the family, and I will cherish the great memories of her. Judy was a great teacher, mentor, listener, and advisor. I will miss the conversations we used to have and her delicious Zucchini bread she would baked for me on special occasions. My fondest memory of Judy was her driving me to college during my freshman year. And, while she knew I was nervous, she stayed to help me with my orientation process. I will remember Judy as a mother figure, celebrate her life and be thankful for the impact she made on my life. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Love Kevin and Cindy Metcalf.
Just the thought of Judy brings a smile to my face. We didn’t know her well, but, when we were in her Presence we were grateful that we were.
She was a beautiful light for this world.
I know her love and her light is shining brighter than ever now.
Thank you Judy for coming fourth into this world!
Much love and blessings to her family,and friends, may you be wrapped in the peace the comfort, the light of Gods loving embrace.
Dear Pete, Will, and families: I could not be more saddened to hear of your loss ~ and to know that our world as we perceive it does not have Ms. J in it as we’ve / I’ve become accustomed to knowing It. There was more shared with me personally and with my family from her words, her example, and her Being – as a neighbor, as a mentor, and as a friend, than I have words to express. My deepest condolences to you and your families; J was a dear Light, and so pleased in sharing her grandchildren with us as neighbors, in word and in person. I am *so thankful* – and a better person –to have been her neighbor and to have had many an hour to sit and listen and share with her. Sincerely, Paula Shaver & Maya Shaver-Shane; formerly – #9 DSC.
Tears are welling up, and a lump is in my throat as I process J.’s passing.
I miss you J. I appreciate you for all you are, for all you did, for your warm smile. I so enjoyed doing yoga in the common house with you on many occasions or joining you at vegan potlucks and Sunday/Wednesday meals, too. I appreciated your zest for life.
Namaste. Safe Journey. Enjoy the Adventure in the Absolute, Judy.
Condolences, deep, heartfelt condolences to all of Judy’s family and wide circle of friends.
Dear Will and Pete,
We were so sorry to hear about your dear mother. The many years that we knew her, she was truly a sweet and wonderful person. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Pete and Will, my heart felt condolence and prayers to you and your family during this very difficult time. I have many years of fond memories of Judy’s loving spirit. The last time I saw her she gave me a loving hug which I will always cherish. Comfort and love coming your way.
Pete & Will, Please know that you are in our prayers. We are grateful for the many ways Judy touched our lives, and for the gentle footprint she left on our family.
Peace, blessings and much love to you,
Tonya & family
I’m so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. May you all find peace and support. I will hold you in the Light.
Judy and I worked together on many Brain Gym teleconferences, and I enjoyed her company at Gatherings and classes over the years. She will be missed!
I send you all my condolences. Judy was a special woman. We connected deeply and I even stayed with her in Virginia when she was part of the community of co-housing. I so enjoyed my time with her. I appreciate all she gave to the Edu-K community!! She will be missed!
Judy was very giving. I met her through Butterfly Goddess. I am sorry for your loss.
Bonita Yoder
We met around 2004! Judy taught me how to facilitate Brain Gym committee meetings and how to confidently lead international conference workshops. We more deeply connected through Judy Grant’s illness. She called whenever she passed through the Twin Cities (Minnesota) and we would meet at a Perkins when possible.
I’m shocked and saddened by her passing. May her family find peace and comfort from all who knew her!
To All of Judy’s Family,
Oh so sad to hear the news! I will miss her. My heart goes out to you. She was a woman of determination, loving concern for others, courage and inspiration to live life fully. Her dedication to BrainGym was awesome and so helpful to me and everyone who was fortunate to be in her workshops.
I met Judy in 2010 while scouting out Lawrence as a place to live. She was so generous to provide me a place to stay, even though she didn’t know me except that we shared an interest co-housing and holistic health. We enjoyed each other’s company and kept up our connection…she visited Maui with her sister and granddaughters while I was still living there. We continued our friendship when I moved to Lawrence two years ago. I will miss her very much.
Dear Judy,
May your shining spirit live on through all whose lives you’ve touched. I will miss you. Love and warm hugs, Carol
I am sorry to hear about your mother, your sister, and my Aunt Judy. She was a wonderful Aunt, who loved to have fun and spend time with the ones she loved. She will be greatly missed and holds a special place in my heart. I pray for God to wrap his arms around you all and comfort you during this time of loss. Love and Prayers, Leann & Gary
I’m so sorry!! She was such a remarkable woman and a wonderful Aunt! She holds a special place in my heart, where she will remain! My love and prayers are with Pete and Will, and the rest of Aunt Judys family. I pray the Lord will comfort, strengthen, and bring you closer together as a family…
God Bless Each of You.
I too was one of Judy’s Brain Gym students. She was always so generous and helpful and PRACTICAL. Wonderful qualities that made those around her better people too.
My prayers are with Judy and her family.
God bless you all.
Rosemary
I was one of many students whom Judy mentored in Brain Gym. I will always be grateful for our time together and all I learned from her. She was a special lady. May God grant you peace and comfort in your time of sorrow.
Sending loving thoughts your way.
Jeanene Bartel
Pete, Will, Gary, Carol, Lelonie and families. I can’t begin to express my sadness and sympathy for our loss of Judy. I’ll miss my best friend as I know you will too.
She was so proud of her family and those precious grandchildren
Rest assured she’s busy in her better place.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I plan to come to her Celebration of Life.
Love you all
Shirley
Dear Pete, Will, Loni, Carol,Gary, & Jasmine,Hailey,Avery, & Drewe,
My heart is very heavy. Know that I am thinking of you and all whose lives were touched by our friend Judy.
Dear Judy,
Thank you. You helped so much as I moved to KS last yr. You are the first person I knew.
When my door slammed each morning you came out to greet me. You taught me to make soup.
I will always love you.
Joan Kamm Apt.1
Such sudden loss and sadness. My condolences to you the family, and to the Delaware Commons Family which has known J from very early days. I see her taking care of her yard and more, helping the kids learn to cook special dishes, looking after her father at DSC, and being in the garden, both hands full of weeds. She is a very, very good person and good spirit.
Dear Pete, Will, and Family, We are so very sorry for this untimely loss. Words can never fully express the depth of our gratitude that J’s life and our lives intersected when they did. Tonight as I was outdoors in one of my favorite spaces I watched a beautiful sunset and sent her my love. Of course, dear J, kind soul that she is, sent the warmth right back. Please know that today your family is in the thoughts and prayers of many to whom your dear mother meant so much.
Blessings to You All
Beth Ann and George Bittlingmayer