JoAnn Van Oosten-Judy

JoAnn Van Oosten-Judy, 79, of Marion, passed away on May 2, 2023.

She was born to the late Russell and Glenna Cramer, Oct. 5, 1943, in Marion, Ohio. JoAnn graduated from Harding High School in 1961 and received a bachelor of science degree in education from The Ohio State University in 1965 and later earned her master’s degree in business.

JoAnn is survived by her two sons: Christopher (Kimberly) Van Oosten of Marion, and Andrew (Mary) Van Oosten of Caledonia; and two grandchildren, Kayla Van Oosten and Chase Van Oosten. She was preceded in death by her husband M.A. “Gus” Judy in 2016 and her sister, Nancy Parshall of Simi Valley, Calif., in 2019.

JoAnn was an accomplished teacher at Pleasant Local Schools. A retired, tenured educator, she won numerous awards and accolades for projects that engaged students in hands-on learning. In the late 1980s she was an advisor for a new publication she helped create, The Spartan Times, for Pleasant Middle School; she held computer math tournaments and also encouraged students to envision small businesses they could build. Many students also contributed cards and hand-written notes to soldiers deployed overseas – including her son, Christopher, a retired Army Major – while teaching in the middle school.

JoAnn was deeply committed to honoring and celebrating Marion as a historic district. She served as a  member and leader of many philanthropical groups and ventures including: serving on the Board of Directors of “Old Village Marion,” a project of the Marion County Historical Society to establish an authentic historic section of Marion with all structures within listed in the National Register of Historical Places; an Executive Committee member of Eber Baker’s Olde Towne; Chairwoman of the Junior Service Guild WMRN Christmas Clearinghouse Campaign; 1984 American Cancer Society Crusade chairperson and also a chairperson for several of the group’s daffodil sales; as well as additional service activities.

Her dedication to Marion and love of hosting led to her opening the Olde Towne House tearoom and gift shop in her historic residence on State Street. There she catered many bridal and baby showers, hosted church breakfasts and sold locally-made grapevine wreaths and crafts as well as Christian books and antiques.

A life-long Christian, JoAnn faithfully shared God’s word to all those she met and was known for serving breakfasts to men’s groups and children of the congregations she attended.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 starting at 10:30am at Marion Cemetery with arrangements being handled by Boyd Funeral Home. Please sign the virtual guest book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JoAnn Van Oosten-Judy, please visit our floral store.