Judith B. Barnett

DATELINE: WAKEFIELD

Barnett, Judith B., 78, died Tuesday, July 3, 2018. She was the beloved wife of Stanley Barnett. Born in New York, NY, a daughter of the late Nathan and Sally (Tanenbaum) Brodkin, she was a longtime resident of Wakefield, previously living in Philadelphia. She was a librarian professor at URI for over 47 years, and a reference librarian at the Philadelphia Free Library and the Newark Public Library. Judy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Barnard College with her BA, Class of ’59 and Drexel University with her Masters of Library Science, Class of ‘62. She was a member of RI Library Association and American Library Association, IAMSLIC and Congregation Beth David. Judy was a published author of books and articles on marine topics. She was also very active in various sports, loved spending time with her granddaughter, and learned to play the flute later in life.  Devoted mother of Nathaniel Barnett and his wife, Alexandra Henshel, of Kingston. Dear sister of the late Dorothy Israel. Loving grandmother of Cordelia “Coco” Barnett. Cherished aunt of two nieces and a nephew on the west coast.  Funeral services will be held SUNDAY at 2:00 p.m. in Congregation Beth David. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Barnard College, Box AS, 3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 or Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett, RI 02882.  Shiva will be observed at her late residence on Monday from 6-9 p.m.

17 Comments

  1. Laury Turkalo
    Jul 5, 2018

    Dear Family,
    I was very sad to her about Judy’s passing. She was a funny, witty and warm colleague to work with. We frequently talked about our granddaughter’s as they were the same age and shared some of the same interests. She adored her granddaughter and I’m sure she will be greatly missed by all of you. I know for sure, I will miss her here at the Library.
    Sincerely,
    Laury Turkalo
    Library Systems Dept.

  2. Barbi Beyer
    Jul 6, 2018

    Oh my goodness, I am so sad to hear of Judy’s untimely passing. I will always have fond memories of all the semesters of Music Together that she brought Coco to with me. She was a devoted and loving grandma to her and I looked forward to seeing them each week for about 3 years, starting in 2013. Thinking of Coco and your family at this sad time. May time bring treasured memories of this wonderful woman, in place of this deep sorrow.
    Barbi Beyer
    Sing With B Music

  3. Robert Carothers
    Jul 6, 2018

    What sad news. Judith was the energy that made the URI Library and the library degree program what it has become. She was so important to generations of students. My condensed to Stan and her entire family.

  4. Diane and Joseph Soito Jr.
    Jul 6, 2018

    Dear family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. We are neighbors, and my dog and I would walk by Judy often, as she worked in her yard lovingly. It was always such a joy to talk with her for a few minutes, and I will miss her easy smile.
    The Soito Family
    Donna Ct. Wakefield

  5. Dusty Haller
    Jul 6, 2018

    Dear Nat, Lexi and Coco,

    I’m so sorry to hear about Judy. It’s been over 25 years since I left the URI library, but I remember her well. She was great colleague and librarian. Nat, I didn’t realize until quite recently that you were her son. My condolences and deepest sympathy to all of you, and to your father.

    Dusty

  6. Ann Ferrante
    Jul 6, 2018

    Dear Stan,

    I am very sorry to hear of Judy’s death. Although I have not seen her in many years, she stands out in my mind as one of my favorite people at URI. I do remember lively conversations with her and you on the deck of the Student Union in summer many, many years ago.

    My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of such a great loss.

    Ann Ferrante

  7. Joyce Winn
    Jul 6, 2018

    I am so sorry to hear about Judy. I worked in the National Sea Grant Library next to Judy for many years when she worked at the Pell Marine Science Library on the URI Bay Campus. She was a pleasure to work with and I loved talking with her. I remember how much she liked to play tennis! We are so sorry for your loss. May the peace of God fill your hearts and minds and may you find comfort in the wonderful memories.
    Sincerely,
    Joyce Winn
    National Sea Grant Library, URI Bay Campus

  8. Diana and Leland Jackson
    Jul 6, 2018

    Dear Stan,

    We are so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing and want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family.

    Diana and Leland

  9. Michael Vocino
    Jul 6, 2018

    Judy and I were colleagues at the URI Libraries for some 40 years. Our offices were in the same corridor. We talked daily. We traveled together to library conferences . She was a good and close friend. I will miss her very much. My deepest condolences to Stan, her son Nathaniel and family and friends.

  10. Tony and Betty Faella
    Jul 7, 2018

    The people at Larkin’s Pond send their sympathy to the family. Judy will be missed. It was always a pleasure seeing her with her granddaughter and family.

  11. Mary Anne Sumner
    Jul 7, 2018

    Dear Stan and Family,
    I send you my heartfelt sympathy and prayers. I worked at the Library with Judy and she was a kind and thoughtful lady. She always helped out when something came up. She cared about people and we will miss her.
    Mary Anne Sumner

  12. Elizabeth Gilheeney
    Jul 8, 2018

    Dear Stan and Family,
    John and I send sincere condolences and prayers. We have only known Judy for two years since moving in next door to you. In that short time I came to know Judy and became very fond of her. I often found her in the yard or on a walk and we would talk of many things. Her easy laughter and kindness made the day brighter. Your neighbors John and Elizabeth

  13. Lisa-Beth Sanford
    Jul 8, 2018

    We at Kingston’s Camp send our deepest Sympathies and Condolences to Coco, Lexi, Nathaniel and Stan. Judy’s care and love for Coco was apparent every time she picked Coco up. She will be missed. Her memory and legacy will be eternal in our hearts.

    Lisa-Beth Sanford
    and Kingston’s Camp Staff

  14. Beth Leconte
    Jul 10, 2018

    Our sympathies to all. Judy and Stan were one of our original members here at OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Rhode Island).

  15. Vida-Wynne M Griffin
    Jul 12, 2018

    Dear Stan, Nat, and Lexi:
    I was Judy’s colleague at the Pell Library (actually she was my boss) and tennis partner beginning when our kids were toddlers. In later years I used to run into her shopping at Belmont Market & at the Kingston Chamber Music Festival where I expected to see her this summer. She was a brilliant woman with a warm personality; I will so miss running into her & catching up on our lives. I am happy she had Coco in her life & that Coco had a chance to get to know her extraordinary grandmother. My condolences to all of you over such a huge loss.

  16. Fran and Charles Nash
    Jul 16, 2018

    We will miss her! She was such a great person and a great tennis partner. We so sorry for this loss.

  17. Coco
    Aug 30, 2023

    It feels surreal to see my grandmothers obituary, even if I saw her in her last moments. Love you grandma <3

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