JUDITH MAXWELL DAVIS TIPPETT
July 10, 1938 – August 31, 2018
EULOGY
My sister, Kit, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about our mother and the many ways she impacted not only our lives but the lives of so many others around the world. During several of these discussions we were surprised to realize how little we knew of mom’s childhood and early life. We know that she grew up in Pittsburgh and spent many summers at a lake house at Van Buren Point in upstate New York, but beyond that, it is sparse.
We know much more about her life beginning with her arrival at Ohio Wesleyan University in the fall of 1956. It was at OWU that Judith met Michael and our family had its start.
Judith was a doer, a woman of action. while at Ohio Wesleyan my mother took exception to the many double standards in place that constricted women but let men have almost unlimited freedom. She was instrumental in changing many of these unfair rules, which all three of her girls ultimately benefited from during our years at Ohio Wesleyan in the early 1980s.
This theme of justice and equality continued beyond college. In the early 1960s my parents moved to Willoughby, Ohio, up near Cleveland. This was the era of Civil Rights action and, once again, my mother chose to stand beside those who did not have the same rights as she enjoyed. When a black family moved into the neighborhood and the community was less than hospitable, my parents made friends and stood beside them to help keep them safe.
With the courage of her convictions, this would not be the last time that my mother took up a cause and put herself out there.
Toward the end of the 1960s my parents were invited to take a weekend course from the Ecumenical Institute (now the Institute of Cultural Affairs). Religious Studies I (RSI) was to forever change my parents as they felt a call to action to make the world a better place. At first they volunteered with this group, then made the decision in 1970 to live communally in an economically-depressed area of Cleveland. Their work focused on community development and grassroots activism.
Our next move was to the Ludlow community in Shaker Heights, a pretty affluent suburb of Cleveland. This community was one of the first truly and intentionally integrated areas of the country and my family was privileged to be a part of this “new experiment.” Again my parents lived their beliefs that all human beings are, and should be treated, equally.
My mother worked in the Shaker Heights Housing Office as a realtor. When she discovered that some of listings were being withheld from African American families, she, again, sprang into action. Undaunted by the hate mail and threats that she received, my mother worked hard to make sure that this type of injustice stopped and that all families were treated equally.
Later, my parents, once again, became full-time members of the Institute and the action continued. One last thought on this: I remember hearing in high school about Women’s Lib and the fight for women’s’ equality> I remember being quite puzzled by this notion. In m home, there wasn’t any issue with equality. My parents were a team, but if pushed, I have to say that my mother was the general!
Judith Tippett knew how to make an occasion truly special. From as far back as I can remember my parents hosted some grand events. I remember sitting up on the top stair listening to the party sounds: laughter, loud talking, music playing. And the food! Lists would be made days in advance about what would be served. Bowls and platters would appear on the dinning room table with notes placed on them so that her “helpers” – my sisters and me – would know which delicacy went on which dish.
On major holidays – Christmas, Easter, the 4th of July, Halloween – several boxes labeled with the appropriate holiday would appear at least a couple of weeks before. Suddenly, our home was transformed after an explosion of decorations went up. Depending upon the time of year, every available surface would hold decorated eggs, candles, little statues of Santa or ghoulish spooks. Halloween was always done up to the hilt! My parents dressed up to hand out candy to the neighborhood children who came a-knockin’.
Sometimes no holiday was needed for my mother to make an occasion special. On a cold winter evening, my mother might decide that a picnic on the floor next to the fireplace was called for.
The”making everything an occasion” went beyond our physical house. When my family went on a trip, my mother did not hold back. Packing “lightly” was never a thought. Stacks of lists and gather of “stuff” began weeks in advance. Leaving at the crack of dawn on a trip, we girls were bundled up in the back until ti was time for breakfast after the sun finally came up. Breakfast was not a granola bar handed back to hungry kids. No. We stopped, put down the tailgate and spread out a table cloth upon which went orange juice, hard-boiled eggs, and white, powdered donuts. Then, once we got to a camp ground a whirlwind of activity would commence, of course led by the general, and our home away from home popped up! This might be a good time to share with you that my mother also possessed a rather loud voice. (Something I believe my students would say that I inherited.) Shouting directions at my sisters and me from the moment we arrived resulted in having our camping neighbors know our names within a short time of our pulling into a campsite.
The last theme that I would like to share about my mom was her love sun, sand and surf. The is something that we have all inherited, for sure. On many vacations, you could find my mother on a beach chair, reading a book and basking in the sun from morning until dusk, like it was her full-time job. It was this love of warm climes that led to my parents move to Florida almost 20 years ago. And, boy, she really loved Florida.
I could go on for a while taking about my mother’s love of books, her love of travel, her sense of humor, her green thumb, her relationship with my father, the love of her life, that fact that at 40 she went back to school to get a master’s degree, her staunch progressive political views, or the deep philosophical discussions we had every so often. But I will conclude with this quote from the Roman statesman and philosopher, Marcus Tulles Cicero, who once said,”The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.”
As we celebrate the completed life of Judith Maxwell Davis Tippett, we must acknowledge and appreciate the legacy that lives on in me, my sisters, Meg and Kit, and her grandchildren, Colin and Lily; strong humans all- who love fiercely and believe firmly in the value of all people, Judith, mom, rest in peace.
~~ Brooke Tippett Thompson
*****
Dear Colleagues: It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that Judith passed away yesterday, August 31st, two days after our 59th wedding anniversary. She had been in declining health for the past year. We started dating in January, 1957. Attending RSI at the urging of the Karpoff and Poole families in Cleveland in January 1968 was a major turning point in our life together. On the way home on Sunday afternoon, Judith said, “I think I would like to teach that course!” Knowing my life partner so well, I knew we were in for some new exciting adventures. And the rest has been history! I wish I could write each of you a personal letter of appreciation for the impact so many of you has had on our life together. We were fortunate that our family was together here in Florida for a reunion in early August. Grace, Peace, and Love,
~~ Mike Tippett
Together, what a life, what a journey! Your little story of Judy’s response to RS-1 so perfectly embodies her being. I always admired her confidence, self-assurance and matter of fact way of just taking on the next challenge. Wonderful that you all were able to be together a month ago. My prayers are with you and your daughters and their families. Another saint goes marching in. . .Much love,
~~ Seth T. Longacre
Fifty nine years of journeys together as a family is remarkable. We hold you all in our care as you begin a new chapter with Judith’s presence with you in new ways. Michael, you, as the keeper of the memorials of our corporate body, now add your very own spouse to the list of the of those who died on the march. A sacred list! With care and sympathy,
~~ Lynda and John Cock
The Australian colleagues remember with gratitude, humour and deep respect how Judy played her part here. We are sad and yet so grateful for what you Judy, gave this country. Thanks be to God.
~~ Isobel Bishop, for us all here.
Michael, The work of the spirit in Cleveland would have been severely impoverished without Judy and you. What you each gave of your lives and spirits was a wondrous gift. We celebrate the finished life of Judy. Blessings
~~ Zoe Barley
Michael, we are grateful for having had your family as a part of the Order, and especially remember Judy at this time. Grace and Peace,
~~ Doris and Charles Hahn
We celebrate Judith’s wondrously completely life, giving thanks for all her care and all who cared for her. Love,
~~ Ellen and Dick Howie
I have the greatest admiration for the style and care the two of you have shown in your lives. Your care for Meg is an example of a wider love shown. Light and prayers to you and all loved ones. Grace and Peace,
~~ Mary Hampton
Mike and Judith were our most faithful colleagues when I was in the Cleveland house and he cared for all of us for so many years through the directory. Glory be.
~~ Herman Greene
