Judy Ann “Jude” Barr – Obituary
Judy Ann “Jude” Barr 58, of Lemoyne PA, passed away on August 16, 2018, surrounded by her loving friends .Born in Renovo, Pa, and raised in Levittown, Judy returned frequently to the Allegheny Mountains she so loved for peaceful contemplation, where she could be found sitting along the banks of the Susquehanna River, or perched on a log at Hyner Lookout, playing her guitar. Following in the musical footsteps of her Grandmother, Mary Russell Potts, Judy was a musician of professional standing.
She was a graduate of West Chester University with a degree in Music and Classical Guitar, going on to play jazz and blues with a variety of outstanding musicians such as Pat Martino, Larry Coryell and others. Judy had a personal love of gospel music, and performed with the Choirs of many Baptist churches in the Philadelphia area. She toured in the musical ensemble for the theatrical production of Godspell, and worked as a session guitarist for a variety of studios in Philadelphia, New York and throughout the East Coast.
Affiliated with the AFM and a supporter of the Fair Music Trade campaign, Judy was committed to helping other freelance musicians achieve their dreams through the Fair Trade practice of contract transparency and equitable business relationships. She loved teaching guitar to children, and continued doing so throughout her career as her schedule permitted. Jude’s primary passions in life were God, music, swimming, kayaking with friends and riding her Harley Davidson 1200 every chance she got.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved dog Breeze, her parents, Elwood F. and Elizabeth (Potts) Barr, and her brother Brian Barr. She is survived by her nephew Sean Barr of Renovo, niece Aubrey Shady-Zavala and sister in law, Donna Barr, in addition to her dearest friends Melissa Adrienne, Deborah Bollinger, Cathy Thomas, Dr. Jacqueline Marcin, and a host of others, all of whom will miss her music, her laugh, her light, and her abundant love.
A private memorial for Jude will be held by friends, and take place in the near future in Renovo, PA.
Memorial contributions in Judy’s name may be made to: The Renovo Library, 317 7th St., Renovo PA 17764
