Judy A (Wagner) Van de Geer

Monson - Judy A. (Wagner) Van de Geer, 69, died Monday, August 28, 2017, surrounded by the love of family. Judy was born August 5, 1948 in Budapest, Hungary to the late Dr. Tibor and Renee Wagner. In 1956, Judy fled communist Hungary with her parents and settled in the Philadelphia area. She became a proud U.S. citizen in 1962. In 1968, Judy received a Bachelor’s of Science from Ohio State University and by the late 1970s made her way to New England. In 1980, Judy and her then young family settled on her beloved small farm in Monson.

A long time resident of Monson, Judy was an active member of the town community and was supportive of many international organizations. Judy raised her daughters in the First Church of Monson, Congregational, and most recently Judy became a member of the Monson Unitarian Universalist Parish. Judy participated in many town-wide initiatives, including the Monson Summerfest Committee and the Trustees of Reservations at Peaked Mountain. Judy maintained strong Hungarian roots by engaging in the American Hungarian Federation and the Hungarian Club of Boston.

One of Judy’s lifelong missions was to support the advancement of women - from La Leche League and International Women’s Day festivals to serving as the founding president of the Quaboag Valley Chapter of Zonta International and her myriad friendships with women around the world. Judy’s guidance and mentorship of women is cherished by many. Judy was also a member of the Women’s Business Owners Alliance, the American Society of Training & Development Specialists, the Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Hartford Urban League, and recently became a Justice of the Peace.

Judy continued her passion as a lifelong learner earning a Master’s degree in Education (2004) and a degree of Educational Specialist (2015). Always in pursuit of new adventures and an inspirational fountain of ideas, Judy began constructing her dream of transforming Horsemunn Farm into Metamorphosis Place, a spiritual retreat center and animal sanctuary. She enjoyed fostering rescue animals and hoped to one day offer opportunities for healing in others, animals and humans alike.

Of all her personal and professional accomplishments, Judy’s greatest joy came from her four daughters and their families. She is survived by Veronika and Gary Buckley, Hannah and Abigail, of Martha's Vineyard; Juliette Van de Geer and Joseph Simard, Josiah and Olive, of Maine; Kristen Van de Geer and Jonathan Clough of Maine; Laina Van de Geer and Bill Andras of Hawaii; Michelle Van de Geer of Florida; as well as her menagerie of farm animals. She is predeceased by Paul Van de Geer and Richard Van de Geer.

Judy’s daughters are planning a Celebration of Life to be held for friends and family in the Spring. For online condolences please visit www.lombardfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations in Judy’s name may be made to National Public Radio (WFCR - Amherst, MA) or
in support of Peaked Mountain Reservation (http://www.thetrustees.org/donate/).

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