"OUR WOMEN OF SANDWICH"
(2020 Summer Virtual Exhibit)
JUDITH ANNE STOEHR
1938-2019
Judith Stoehr and her family were summer residents of Sandwich for 30 years. Eventually, in retirement, she and her husband Richard Stoehr made Sandwich their permanent residence. Judy’s children, extended family and friends have always been eager to make Sandwich an essential destination during any New England trek.
The Stoehr Family
(L to R: Richard, Judy, Garen and Marna)
Judy was friendly, kind and inviting to all whom she encountered. Her life was enriched by the people that live in Sandwich and those who travel through town. She worked part time at the Sandwich Historical Society greeting patrons who were looking to enhance their knowledge in the history of Sandwich or simply getting a feel for what makes this town such an iconic New England sanctuary. In addition, she assisted in the organization of hallmark exhibits and shared administrative responsibilities.
Judy and friends at the 1980 Sandwich Historical Society Annual Excursion and Picnic at the
Chapman Sanctuary / Visny Woods (Mt. Israel Road)
The Community Church of Sandwich has always served as a haven for spiritual growth and as an epicenter of community gathering. You would frequently see Judy organizing and cleaning up from coffee hour as well as taking point at many of the church functions. To serve was her calling, whether tending to livestock during her schooling at the University of Vermont, operating the Heart and Lung Machine at Tufts New England Medical Center or calling on parishioners in need; that was her purpose-driven gift.
Children's Day (1977)
Sandwich Historical Society
Whatever season one chose to visit Sandwich and the Stoehr homestead, it was inevitable a tour of the town was a priority. The tour always started at their home on 45 Grove Street with a presentation of the chronological enhancements from a one-room school house, established in 1807, to a four-bedroom home, most of which was constructed and decorated by Richard and Judith during their vacations.
Sandwich Fair
Judy was an invaluable member of the
Sandwich Fair's Grand Street Parade
Parade Committee for many years
Of course each stop on Judy’s tour consisted of incredible facts, examples of hard work and artistic creativity, as well as entertaining stories of folks that have been passed down through the generations. Whether passing the town green and envisioning the events of Old Home Week or taking a ride up Wentworth Hill, to eventually gaze at the Great Wall and the reconfigured Niobe, Judy was the ultimate ambassador.
Judy and Dick enjoying a Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast at the Sandwich Fairgrounds
Her passion for this town was not only focused on the immediate homes and businesses surrounding the single blinking traffic light at the center of Sandwich, but also toward the homesteads and landmarks on the outskirts of town. Although not a native, Judy so eloquently bridged the silver-toned images of yesterday to the colorful perspectives of today. One did not need a sign to welcome them to Sandwich; they just needed to run into Judy during their daily travels.
Garen Stoehr (s0n) and Marna Blomberg (daughter)
September 2020
Garen Stoehr (s0n) and Marna Blomberg (daughter)
September 2020
