Obituary of Judith C. Littlejohn

Judith Carol Littlejohn, 77, of Lakewood, went to be with the Lord on December 4, 2017 (her daughter's birthday) peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after a 6 and a half year battle with Multiple Myeloma, Judy was born in Somerset, PA on Oct. 4, 1940, the daughter of Raymond and Leola (Croyle) Dinning. She graduated from Forbes High School in 1958. Her elementary education training started at Juniata College in Huntington, PA and continued at the University of Pittsburgh from where she graduated with a BA in elementary education in 1962. She began her teaching career at Conemaugh Township Elementary School in Davidsville, PA. This is where she met her husband, a high school teacher, at the Conemaugh township school district. They were married Sept. 7, 1963, and moved to Jamestown the following summer when her husband took a job at Southwestern High school. Judy furthered her education earning an MS at Fredonia State University. Judy had worked as a Kindergarten teacher and later the Director for over 20 years at A Children's Place Day Care Center at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamestown. She was so loved and effective there, that a plaque was placed and tree planted on the grounds in her honor when she retired. She spent several years as the director of the Sunday school program at the Church School in Chautauqua Institution. She had a great love for all children. She is a member of Lakewood United Methodist church where she participated in Sunday school and Bible study. She loved giving to those in need. Recently she was responsible for adding a bookcase and children books to a local prison. She was thinking about the children and their families when visiting loved ones in prison. She enjoyed getting together with her friends, whether it be for dinner, tennis, golf, bridge, or mahjong. Judy was a talented artist calling herself "a grandma painter." She painted furniture and several murals on walls in her home. She also painted furniture that she donated to several auctions and fundraisers. Judy was a member of various committees, including WCA hospital auxiliary and Lakewood Women's Club, where she served as president for two terms. Judy is survived by Ron, her husband of 54 years, her sons James (Mary) Littlejohn of Orlando, FL., LTC (retired) Matthew (Patricia) Littlejohn of Arlington, VA, and a daughter Elizabeth (Carl) Siewert of Downingtown, PA. She is also survived by three brothers; Raymond Dinning of Jacksonville, FL, Alan (Judy) Dinning of Kennett Square, PA, and David (Nancy) Dinning of Stoystown, PA. As well as a sister, Maxine Ott of Stoystown, PA. She is also survived by her precious nine grandchildren: Jaclyn, Christina, and Katie Siewert of Downingtown, PA, Alyson and James Littlejohn of Arlington, VA, Francesca, Alexander Littlejohn, Scot Flynn and Amanda Dykes of Florida along with four great grandchildren: Carson, Dresden, Trace, and Ronan, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Besides her parents and her mother and father in law, she was preceded in death by sister-in-law, June Dinning and brother-in-law, Paul Ott. A memorial service will be held at Lakewood United Methodist church on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 at 11:00AM. The family will begin receiving friends at 10:00AM. Gravesite interment will be in Stoystown, Pennsylvania on Monday Dec. 11. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to made in her name to Roswell Park Cancer Institute for Myeloma Research, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750 or Lakewood United Methodist Church, 164 Shadyside Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.