Judith A. Meier

Judith A. (Kouts) Meier, an educator, office manager, patron of the arts and devoted parent, died Oct. 3 at age 75. She had been hospitalized that day for cardiac arrest when she passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and members of the exceptional staff of Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore. Judy was born May 25, 1939, in South Bend to Kenneth and Claire (Fuzy) Kouts. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Meier, Belcamp, and numerous loving cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James Kouts; and her beloved son, Bradley Meier, whom she cared for at home throughout his life. A graduate of South Bend Riley High School, Judy earned a bachelor's degree from Ball State University's Teacher's College and taught elementary and junior high students in Illinois and Texas. She moved from Goshen to Belcamp in April 2013 to live with her daughter, Elizabeth. In keeping with Judy's wishes, cremation will take place. There will be a time of visiting and a remembrance service for friends and family from 2 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 at the Bread & Chocolate, on the third floor of The Old Bag Factory, 1100 N. Chicago Ave., Goshen. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of memorial floral arrangements, donations be made in Judy's name. 100% of all donations will go towards training for family caregivers by the Pines Education Institute in Sarasota, Fla, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Pines Education Institute is recognized internationally as a cutting edge training center for residential and at-home caregivers, focusing on a diverse set of elder care concerns, from caregiving and nursing for dementia diseases and aging disabilities to elder law and end of life issues. Pines' training offers real solutions to challenges faced by caregivers, and is available via on-site training classes, webinars and a series of DVDs created by Pines' renowned educators. Pines has collaborated with the University of South Florida, the Institute for the Ages, and Positive Approach with Teepa Snow. Teepa Snow is an occupational therapist and advocate for those living with dementia and other forms of brain change. Her Positive Approach to Care techniques are a practical and structured approach to the complexities of brain failure. It is her personal passion and mission to improve the culture of dementia care worldwide. Checks can be made out to: Pines Education Institute Education Fund, in honor of Judy Meier. Checks can be sent to: Pines of Sarasota Attn: JoAnn Westbrook 1501 North Orange Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236