Judith Anne Castor
March 15, 1945 ~ May 18, 2023
Judith Anne Castor passed away May 18, 2023, at the age of 78 years. She was born in Pontiac, Michigan, but grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana where her father, Clayton Duerr, was a Jazz Musician and her mother, Rosella Duerr, worked in Accounting. She had one brother, Clayton Duerr (Janet) who preceded her in death. She has one daughter, Joey Bamberger (Anthony), and two grandchildren, Alex Bamberger (Aubrey) and Alyssa Bamberger, and two great grandsons, Dustin Bamberger and Mason Bamberger.
Judith, known as “Judy” to her friends and family, began her faith journey the day she asked her mother to take her to Sunday School. From that day forward an ongoing series of events led to her Faith Journey in the United Methodist Church. As a teen she began working on weekends at her church in New Orleans. Eventually her journey led her to Wichita where she worked initially as a secretary for Calvary United Methodist Church, before moving into her position in Christian Education. Later she became the Director of Christian Education at Valley Center United Methodist Church, followed by a position at Woodland United Methodist Church where she served as the Director of Christian Education and Programming.
Eventually her faith and career led her to West Heights United Methodist Church, where she spent the last 18 years as a Deacon in charge of Children and Adult Education. She also volunteered her time at Inter-Faith Ministries Faith in Action Program and the Shepherd’s Center of West Wichita where she served on the Board of Directors.
Judy was well loved by those who came to know her. Even as her health began to fail she managed a smile for all who came to visit her. She loved her New Orleans roots but also loved the people and connections she made through her work with members of the United Methodist congregation. She appreciated the love and acceptance she received from all her Wichita, KS friends and congregants.
Judy frequently used the word “lagniappe” which means a little something extra or unexpected. That is what she did. She always wanted to give people a little something extra. A little more than they thought they needed, a little more than they expected.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, May 29th at 1:00 p.m. at West Heights United Methodist Church, 745 N. Westlink Ave., Wichita, KS 67212. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to West Heights United Methodist Church.
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The Boehm family extends our deapest sympathy for your loss. Judy was a good mom and friend to many. We’ll never forget the many wonderful holidays we spent with Judy and the Duerr family. She will be missed.