NEWTOWN, PA… Judith Abrams Buch, 65, passed away Sunday, August 12, 2018.
Born in Trenton, NJ, to Rose Ann and Harry Abrams, she has one brother, Jeffrey Abrams. Although raised in Trenton, Judi graduated from Pennsbury High School. She obtained a Master of Social Work from Temple University and taught in the university’s Criminal Justice program in the early 1990s. Her professional career was spent primarily at the Bucks County Adult Probation and Parole Department in jobs that she loved-as a Parole Officer for 18 years and a Supervisor for seven years. She was the Chief Shop Steward in the Court unit for years, which may surprise some people.
Judi’s most important focus was on her children and left her first job to raise Jonathan and Benjamin, her most beloved sons. They traveled to many parts of the world, even when Jon and Ben were adults. Her sons were devoted to their mother and showed it regularly by actions and words. Ben’s wife, Larissa, was very supportive. When grandsons Asher and Abram Buch were born, Judi’s heart swelled. She cooked and cared for them as often as possible.
A past member of Adath Israel Congregation and Congregation Beth El, Judi was most recently a member of Shir Ami in Newtown, PA. A life member of Hadassah, she was also a member of Shomrim of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley and served as its first female president. She was a member of many professional Social Work and Criminal Justice organizations, over the years. The Mah Jongg group that Judi was a part of for ten+ years was very special to her. When Judi was diagnosed with breast cancer, she became involved with Bucks County Breast Friends and MetaFriends (sponsored by the Healing Consciousness Foundation) which were safe places to get support and nurturing. The Machestic Dragons, a New Jersey dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors that Judi joined, brought excitement and more support to her.
Special recognition to Nancy Johnson, a first cousin who was more like a sister to Judi, and Cathy Buch, who stood with her in all difficult times. Dr. Philip Kivitz, her maternal uncle, was always important to Judi. There are many cousins and friends-you know who you are-who enhanced Judi’s life so much. Even Judi’s “ex-family” remained important in her life.
A funeral service will be held Sunday 11am, August 19 at Shir Ami, 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abrams Hebrew Academy, Shir Ami, Metavivor or the Healing Consciousness Foundation.