Judy Neslage

SERVICES: 12:30 PM Monday, May 3, 2010, at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. Graveside services will be at 12:30 PM Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Fairview Cemetery in Pampa, Texas, with Msgr. Michael Colwell, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Restland Funeral Home of Dallas and Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.BIOGRAPHY: Our beloved sister, aunt, friend and colleague, Judy, passed away at her residence in Presbyterian Village North in Dallas TX. Judy has endured many health problems over the past years; she always came back from these, but this time it was not to be. Her family and friends know that Judy is at peace and restored to health in the presence of our Heavenly Father.Judy was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on October 22, 1939, to her parents, Dorothy and Fred Neslage. Judy was the eldest of eleven brothers and sisters. She loved her family and was very proud of them, loved to talk about them and all of their accomplishments. She doted on all of her nieces and nephews and regarded them as her own kids. They brought so much joy to her life. As her nieces and nephews married and brought their own children to visit, Judy embraced them and they learned to call her "Dodie," as their parents had before them. Family pictures always surrounded Judy. This feeling of family and being loved brought Judy much peace. Judy received a bachelor's degree from West Texas State University and a master's degree from The University of North Texas. She taught for several years in Pampa, Texas, prior to moving to Richardson where she became a member of the Richardson ISD staff. She was an educator for 42 years prior to retirement. Judy served RISD in a variety of leadership roles: teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director. She began her career in RISD as a first grade teacher at Richardson Heights Elementary. Judy was chosen to go to Hamilton Park Pacesetter Elementary the first year their program began. She loved her days there and was very proud to have been a part of this innovative school. Judy also worked at Bowie Elementary, Brentfield Elementary, Spring Valley Elementary and Dartmouth Elementary, as well as at the Special Education Department where she served as director.Judy received many accolades and honors while serving the RISD. Her proudest accomplishments were in being recognized as an advocate for children. She always had time for students, parents and staff--and always made them feel valued. Judy maintained friendships with many who worked with her over the years, and former students often visited her. Just recently, a former student brought his wife and children to visit. He wanted his family to meet her as she had had such a positive impact on his life. Judy possessed an amazing intellect and wit. She was called upon many times to be the keynote speaker at school district events and functions, and her speeches always had the audience laughing - no one could tell a story like Judy. Her ability to capture an audience was never more evident than the year she spoke to district personnel at the annual convocation prior to the beginning of the school year. The audience loved her, and she loved doing it. Judy was named to Leadership Texas, an organization that recognized outstanding women leaders across the state of Texas. The time she spent in this organization was among her happiest. She made so many friends from across Texas, many of whom remained close friends throughout her life.Her generous and caring spirit was a big part of Judy's personality. She was most generous with her time and resources to anyone in need, and always had an encouraging word or a shoulder to cry on--whatever would help. She cared deeply about her family, friends and everyone with whom she came in contact.In the past few years, family, friends and colleagues were a constant presence in Judy's life. Their visits, calls and cards brightened her days. Birthdays were really big with Judy--especially her own! She loved her last birthday when friends and family gathered with her to celebrate. Presents, flowers, cards and, of course, a crown for "The Queen" were all part of the celebration.Judy felt fortunate to have a wonderful family who loved her and cared for her so much. Her family loved her unconditionally, as she did them. Her friends held a special place in her heart, as she did in theirs. She leaves a hole in the lives of many.Her survivors include her brothers Fred, Bill, Bob, Tom, Terry and Tim Neslage, and her sisters Marion Gerome, Jean Wright and Patsy Urbanovsky, as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her mom, dad, and brother John. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, please submit donations* to The Arthritis Foundation, Texas Chapter, 4300 MacArthur Ave., Suite 245, Dallas, TX 75209 or Faith Presbyterian Hospice, 6100 Colwell Boulevard, Suite 225, Irving, TX 75039-3112.*Please include Judy's name on your donation.