Judith Ann Brandon of Maumee, passed away July 19, 2026, at the home of her sister. Judy was born August 7, 1936, in Celina, Ohio, to William and Alberta Brandon and married Bob L. Smith on August 22, 1987. He preceded her in death in May of 1992.
Judy graduated from Celina High School in 1954 and from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor of science degree in education. She received her master’s degree from the University of Toledo.
She was an elementary teacher in Gettysburg, Ohio, the Celina Public Schools and Sylvania Public Schools, where she taught first and second grade from 1959 to 1990. She was a dedicated teacher who remembered her former students by sending them some of their special work and photos upon their graduation from high school. She kept in touch with former students over a lifetime and they reciprocated with cards, letters and phone calls. One student from Arizona even made it a point to visit her when he was in the area and phoned her up to the present time.
Judy was a member of First Church in Perrysburg, where she was in the chancel choir for many years; a life member of St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary, as well as a volunteer; a volunteer at the Toledo Zoo, and a life member of the Toledo Symphony League.
She had a great love of travel, which took her to numerous European countries, as well as Africa, China, Japan, Australia, Tahiti, the Caribbean Islands, Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, Costa Rica and Iceland, as well as travel in the United States. She would often share her experiences with her students by showing slides, photos and souvenirs, which she often got for each student.
In addition to travel, Judy enjoyed golf, photography, reading, baking, art, singing in the church choir and attending elder hostels in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She is survived by her sister and best friend, Susan Jane Brandon, Maumee; sister-in-law, Connie Brandon, Richmond, Texas; two nieces, Julie (Gary) Eskue and Jill (Philippe) Boucaumont, along with three greatnephews, William Zapata, Kevin Zapata and Cade Boucaumont, all from Richmond, Texas. In addition, there are three stepchildren, Craig Smith (Erin) Arlington, Virginia; Rachael Guadagni (Anthony), Versailles, Kentucky; Holly (Ben) Rogot, Frederick, Maryland, along with nine step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alberta Brandon, Celina, and her brother, William Brandon Jr. Richmond, Texas.
Judy had a strong love of family and friends and would like to give special thanks to her dear and lifelong friend, Jane Wood, of Bowling Green, for all of their good times together, travel and being there for each other.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 29, at Perrysburg First Church, 200 West Second Street, Perrysburg. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Jim Jennings. A luncheon will be served afterward in the church fellowship hall, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories and celebrate Judith’s life.
Private burial will take place at North Grove Cemetery in Celina; where she will be laid to rest next to her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perrysburg First Church in Judith’s memory.
Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys are honored to care for Judith and her family. To share condolences, memories or expressions of sympathy, visit ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.