Julianna Ford Saydlowski died peacefully, in the company of family and friends, at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, DE, on June 4, 2024. She was 84.
Judy was born in 1939, in Jamestown, NY, to Andon and Galata (Stralla) Ford. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from SUNY Cortland, Judy followed her passion and began teaching in the Rush-Henrietta School system in Rochester, NY. She especially loved teaching children to read—she likened it to giving kids a superpower, opening the door to a universe of knowledge and imagination.
While in Rochester, Judy met and married her lifelong love, Bernard “Bernie” Saydlowski. In 1969, they moved to Towanda, PA, where they raised their young family and remained for 15 years. A career DuPont employee, Bernie then relocated their family to Wilmington, DE, where Judy and Bernie thrived together for the next 40 years.
Judy volunteered with many organizations, enriching her communities with her boundless energy. As an active member of the American Association of University Women for over 50 years, she was a champion of gender equality for women and girls through education, mentorship, and advocacy. Judy was a steadfast advocate for the needs of the poor and homeless. She was a member of the Ministry of Caring Guild in Wilmington, DE, and served on the Board of Directors of Sacred Heart Village II, a 26-unit housing project for very low-income senior citizens. She was also a proud founding member of a successful NAIC women’s Investment Club in Wilmington (often boasting about her club’s portfolio performance, and the contributions of some of her growth stock picks). And, for over 25 years, Judy was an education volunteer at the Hagley Museum, where she enjoyed interacting with visitors, sharing her enthusiasm for history, science, technology, and nature.
She was modest about her own abilities and quick to praise others. With an infectious laugh, Judy had the gift of making people feel welcome. She was a woman of deep faith, and had a cherished circle of lifelong friends. She loved to travel and shared friendships with people from around the world. Recently, she particularly enjoyed spending time with her beloved “Movie Mavins.” Judy’s love of entertaining and gardening was evident to all who visited her warm and welcoming home.
Judy joins in Heaven her loving husband Bernie, older sister Ramona Ford Ticco, and older brother Robert Ford. A proud mother and “Grammy,” she is survived by her children, Bernard Karl Saydlowski Jr. (Karen), Ann Katherine Saydlowski (Nathalie), and John Christopher Saydlowski (Grace), three grandchildren (Millie, Jay, and Carrolline), younger brother Theodore Ford, sister-in-law Dorothy Wilson, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
The Saydlowski family would like to thank the incredible professionals at Delaware Hospice, who cared for Judy in her final days.
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