Judith Louise (Barrows) Suplicki, 74, of Mystic, died Monday, March 16, 2015, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. She was surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Judie was born Oct. 16, 1940, in Rumford, Maine, the daughter of Bertram and Ruth Barrows. She was raised in Potsdam, N.Y., and graduated from Potsdam High School in 1959. She continued her education at Potsdam State Teacher's College, graduating in 1963 with a degree in elementary education. She received a master of arts in teaching from Connecticut College in 1991.
After graduating from college, Judie moved to East Lyme, where she began her teaching career in a kindergarten classroom. It was here that her roots in southeastern Connecticut took hold.
She met her beloved husband, Edward Suplicki, and married her Navy submariner in 1967. He predeceased her in 2012.
Judie had a passion for children and youth. She taught elementary school for 28 years and retired from the Groton Public Schools in 2006. She was a fearless Girl Scout leader, passionate Sunday school teacher, and loyal supporter of all activities that involved her own girls and lots of others who became "her kids" too.
Judie was strong and deep in her faith. She attended St. Luke Lutheran Church since 1973. She loved her Tuesday night choir rehearsals, bell ringing groups, and Sunday morning worship. She served on many committees, councils, and ministries. Her participation in Southeast Emmaus weekends for high school students after her retirement brought her great joy.
She is survived by two daughters, Elaine Lettiere and her husband, Dan Lettiere, of Mystic and Pamela Suplicki of Groton; her beloved granddaughter, Anna Lettiere; her brother, Porter Barrows and his wife, Jan Barrows, of Aurora, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. A multitude of friends and family will mourn her loss.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1830 Route 12, Gales Ferry. A funeral service will immediately follow at 7 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Burial will private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the L&M Cancer Center, 230 Waterford Parkway South, Waterford, CT 06385 or the St. Luke Lutheran Church Music Program.
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