Judith Weihe Furlow

  Judith Weihe Furlow, age 83, passed away on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, in Erie, Pennsylvania. She was born on October 23, 1940, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest daughter of the late Clyde R. “Sam” Weihe Jr. and Katharine M. “Kate” (Hood) Weihe. Judith leaves behind a rich legacy as an extraordinary English teacher and a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

   Judy graduated from Needham High in Massachusetts and is also a proud graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont with a degree in American Literature. She then married her college sweetheart, Dr. John W. Furlow, Jr., with whom she had 51 blessed years of marriage. Judy continued her pursuit of education through postgraduate studies at Wilkes College and Ohio University. A lifelong teacher, her impactful career was characterized by imparting her love for study of the English language and classic literature to her students in stops with John in Michigan, North Carolina and eastern Pennsylvania before moving to DuBois, Pennsylvania for several years, raising their children along the way. They ultimately landed in Lancaster, Ohio where she finished her career in her most rewarding teaching position at Eastland Career Center providing her students meaningful tools to communicate effectively and be successful in the workplace and beyond. She also supported John in his role as Dean at Ohio University-Lancaster, showcasing their shared passion for academia and life-long learning. 

   Judy enjoyed a deep engagement with the Lancaster community, where she and John were valued members of numerous organizations. Their contributions were highly appreciated by the Friends of the Library, the Decorative Arts Center, and the Fairfield Heritage Association, among others. Perhaps most endearingly, they cherished the Lancaster Festival, an event that resonated with their shared love for the arts and where Judy and John would take great joy in warmly welcoming the community to OU-L's campus each year. Judy and John were also long-standing members of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster.

   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband John. She is survived by her three children; John David (Teri) Furlow of Davis, California, Samuel Martin Furlow of Odenton, Maryland, and Eliza Louise Bayard (Ross) Peterson of Erie, Pennsylvania; her sister Martha Jane Weihe (John Kaufman) of Saratoga Springs, New York; and her grandchildren Alex Furlow, Abbi Furlow, Hannah Furlow, Jack Peterson, Will Peterson and Kate Peterson. Judy’s family will always cherish the memories of her quick and wry wit, positive outlook on life, sage advice, and calm and comforting demeanor. She gave her children a love of travel and created many cherished memories with her children and grandchildren who resided in various parts of the country. Spending summers with Mom and Grandma on Cape Cod in Wellfleet, Massachusetts were particularly memorable times for her family over the years.

   A funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 15th at 4pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster, Ohio officiated by Father Michael Ralph, followed by a private mausoleum entombment at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the staff of Manchester Commons in Erie, Pennsylvania where Judy spent her final years. Donations in Judy's name can be made to Manchester Commons or to a local charity of your choice. Arrangements have been made through the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com.