Judy Korshak-Samuels of Evanston and New Glarus, Wisconsin died Feb. 15 at the age of 76.
Judy was a natural born teacher, a profession she seems to have chosen even at the start of her formal education when she began to conduct after-school classes for neighborhood children in her family’s basement.
Professionally, Judy spent most of her teaching years in the primary and middle schools of Evanston. Mathematics was her specialty, which led to her becoming a consultant for the “Everyday Mathematics” program developed bt the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project beginning in the late 1980s.
In 2007 Judy and her husband, Rich Samuels, purchased a small country house in New Glarus Township, Wisconsin.
An avid reader, Judy soon became involved in fundraising efforts for the construction of a new village public library. In the process, she acquired a large group of new friends who were likewise engaged in this endeavor. One of Judy’s few regrets was that the new library remains an unrealized dream.
Even during her last days, Judy’s circle of friends continued to expand. All who knew her would acknowledge that she was blessed with the gift of empathy.
In addition to her husband, Judy is survived by her sisters, Joann Rollins of Millfield, Ohio; Jill Korshak of Evanston; and Jeri Korshak of Littleton, Colorado; and by four nephews and two nieces.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held 10 am Saturday, May 20, at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Ave.
A donation in Judy’s memory to the NorthShore University Health System Foundation would be appreciated.