Sign In
Judith Ann France
Judith Ann (Weiand) France, 76, of Thornville, Ohio, passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on Monday, March 14, 2022. Judi was born December 18, 1945, in Barberton, Ohio, to Cletus and Rose (Kurchev) Weiand. She graduated from Green High School in 1963 and began her career with Goodyear Tire in Akron, Ohio as a squad secretary. She married the love of her life, Richard France, on March 11, 1967. Shortly thereafter, she was involved in a tragic auto accident that resulted in the loss of both legs. However, Judi never let this hold her back from living a full and abundant life. She became a strong disability advocate and spokesperson, having been on several local newscasts and speaking at schools and businesses throughout her life. She went on to welcome three daughters and was an accomplished homemaker. Judi and Rick relocated from Akron to Thornville in April of 1979, which became their treasured home where many memories were made. She was a long-time member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Throughout her life, Judi was a devoted wife and mother, spending countless hours taking her daughters to dance, gymnastics, track, pageants, baton, cheerleading, and 4-H activities. She never missed a school event and was always actively involved in her daughters’ lives. In her downtime, she was an avid reader and enjoyed crafting and sewing. She was a devoted friend to many and loved hosting extended family and friends in the backyard pool. Judi was known for her quick wit, sharp intellect (as evidenced by her champion status in countless games of Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble), and brutal honesty, which some of her grandchildren carry on today. Judi is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Richard France; daughters, Holly (Matt) Kremin of Dublin, Sara (Steve) Szasz of Westerville, and Abby (Brett) Dillon of Columbus; as well as a special niece, Brandi France of Baltimore, Maryland. Judi was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexander, and Natalie Kremin, Steven Andrew, Elizabeth, and Catherine Szasz, and Samuel, Anna, Mara, and Joseph Dillon. She was an aunt to several nieces and nephews. Judi is also survived by her sisters, Joan (Mitchell) Carver of Akron, Marilyn (John) Cernaz of Lorida, Florida, and Janice (John) Gray of Sahurarita, Arizona. Judi was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Cletus Weiand; sister, Sandra Wall; brother, Gary Weiand; nephews, Jody France, Bill Carver, and Sean Cernaz; brother-in-law, Russ France; and loving in-laws, Russell and Bettie France. There will be a private family service per Judi’s request with no general calling hours. Words of comfort will be spoken by Mr. Jay Canaday, close family friend. Judi chose a caring cremation, and burial will follow in the Thornville Lutheran Reformed Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to FairHope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130, to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 16810, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6810, or online to nationwidechildrens.org/giving in Judi’s memory. Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset is entrusted with the arrangements. www.bopethomasfuneralhome.comDecember 18, 1945 - March 14, 202212/18/194503/14/2022
Share Obituary:
Judith Ann France
Loading story for Judith Ann France