Judith Ann Ives Wereley

Judith Ann Ives Wereley

Judith Ann Ives Wereley died on July 14, 2026, following a struggle with complications from sepsis and a period of hospitalization. She was 86 years old.

Judy was born and raised in Rochester, New York, where she graduated from Nazareth Academy and the State University of New York at Brockport. Following graduation, she taught elementary school in the Rochester suburb of Greece and later in New Jersey while living in Manhattan, where her husband was attending graduate school.

In 1962, she married the Rev. Richard L. Wereley. Together, they raised two children, Andrew “Drew” and Megan, in Rochester, New York, and Baltimore, Maryland. Judy earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Cincinnati and pursued additional doctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Throughout their marriage she supported her husband’s ministry in congregations in Cincinnati, Ohio; Irondequoit, New York; Baltimore, Maryland and Davenport, Iowa.

While living in Baltimore, Judy managed the League of Women Voters office, coordinating the 1980 Presidential Debates. She later began a career in school administration as an assistant to the superintendent of the Baltimore City Schools. In Iowa, she similarly served as publicist and faculty assistant to the headmaster of a private school. Judy and Dick eventually retired to Wooster, Ohio to be near their daughter’s family.

In retirement, Judy enjoyed volunteering, participating in book clubs, her virtual lunch group, traveling, celebrating with family and spending time at the family retreat in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. She will be remembered for the thoughtful ways she nurtured the people she loved: preparing holiday meals, sending packages of cookies to her grandchildren, selecting gifts carefully and presenting each one in a way uniquely suited to its recipient and engaging family and friends in lively topical discussions and repartee.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; her son, Drew; her daughter, Megan, and son-in-law, Steve LoGiudice; four grandchildren, Nathan, Parker, Emma, and Hannah; and her three sisters, Cecelia Schug, Mary Jo Ives, and Nora Smith and her husband, Terry. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Her later years were especially brightened by the time she spent with the Czadzeck family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wooster, 621 College Ave. Wooster, Ohio. The service will be followed by a light luncheon, during which the family will greet friends and loved ones.

In Judy’s memory, contributions may be made to the League of Women Voters of Wayne County, Ohio, P.O. Box 291, Wooster, OH 44691, or to the Cranberry Lake Fire and Rescue, 7115 State Route 3, Cranberry Lake, NY 12927.