“Quite simply, Judy was the heart and soul of Lakota East High School. She cared deeply for all of her students and was known for her dedication and passion for teaching,” said Principal Suzanna Davie.
“Judy was beloved by her colleagues, our students and the community because of the kindness and compassion she showed to everyone she met,” said Davis in a statement sent out to school parents and the Lakota East community.
Buckenmyer earned her undergraduate degree from Siena Heights University and her Masters of Arts & Teaching (MAT) degree from Miami University in secondary mathematics.
She spent the last 19 years teaching math at Lakota East High School where she was named Teacher of the Year for the school year 2019-2020.
According to her obituary on the Rose Hill Funeral Home website, “she cared deeply for all of her students and was known for her dedication and passion for teaching.”
“Judy’s passion to teaching reached far beyond the classroom, as she would often be seen cheering on her (Lakota East) Thunderhawks at all their sporting events. Judy was involved as a Red Life Advisor and Tennis Coach.
“Judy’s students will forever be impacted by her gift of teaching and support of community,” according to the funeral home posting.
Judy is survived by husband, Mike; daughter, Lea; son, Brad. Sisters, Barbara (Mike) Mohler, Mary Ann (Terry) Fitzgerald, Susan Arbaugh, and Laura Rink as well as brothers, Dave (Gloria) Rink, Tom (Pam) Rink, and Steve (Clarice) Rink. She was preceded in death by her parents Herb and Virginia Rink, brother, Jimmy Rink and Father-in-law, Charles Buckenmyer.
The outpouring of affection for the veteran math instructor has been so wide-spread in the Liberty Township school community, officials have arranged a special event in her memory.
According to Rose Hill Funeral Home officials, “the family will receive friends on Friday, June 12 at Lakota East High School from 5 to 8 p.m.
“In Judy’s honor, please wear your East spirit wear. To comply with current COVID19 social distancing requirements, we ask that students follow the schedule by last name and arrive at the posted times.”
Those with last names starting with A-F are to come from 5 to 6 p.m., G-M from 6 to 7 p.m. and N-Z from 7 to 8 p.m.
A “celebration of life” service will be held 10 a.m. June 13 at West Chester Nazarene Church, 7951 Tylersville Road. Please note, proper face covering and social distancing will be required at both venues, said Rose Hill officials.
In lieu of flowers, donations to: Food Pantry @ Faith Community Methodist Church 8230 Cox Rd, West Chester Township, OH 45069; St. Monica’s Recreation Center 10022 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45215; Lakota East PTSO (memo Judy Buckenmyer Memorial Fund) 6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Township, OH 45044 and the SPCA 11900 Conrey Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249.
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