This site is a tribute to Judith Barton. She is much loved and will always be remembered. Please feel free to share your memories, photos and stories of Judith here. 

Wendy's Story

Judith (or Jude known to many) was a family friend and much like a sister.  Our parents were friends during their early marriages and shared the joy of children together.  Jude and I shared many of those development years, from playing together in a playpen to our teenage years, spending Saturdays in Watford buying dress patterns and fabric and then making something new for our wardrobe together.  (This was the first signs of Jude's love of clothes!).  Indeed Jude spent some time living with our family while she was at Teacher Training college and then while she found herself work, which then allowed her to become more independent.

Jude found her way in teaching and quickly took on new responsibilities and duties until she became Assistant Head Teacher.  She always enjoyed her work, specialising in English.  In her more senior roles, and working in some challenging schools, she took great pride in helping more troubled souls, and I'm sure there are some adults out there who will be grateful that she helped them in some way.  She was soon able to buy a little house in Egham and within a decade she moved to a larger property.   It was here that Jude displayed her flair for smart interiors filled with light, glass and a bit of silver bling!  At the same time, she thoroughly enjoyed spending the fruits of her labour on her home, clothes and not least - her shoes.  She was known for clicking through the corridors on her smart high heels.

Jude was a very generous sole.  She took great care finding things she felt would bring joy to those she knew.  I'm sure those who knew her, have all been touched by her generosity at some point.  

In her retirement years, and drawing on her sense of purpose and commitment to community, she undertook volunteer work; such as with the library, charity shops and working for the covid vaccination centres.  But it was her work as an "Appropriate Adult" that gave her the most satisfaction.  In this role she was able to pull on her vast years of experience dealing with troubled youths which helped her develop a purposeful dialogue with those who found themselves in custody, which often eluded the police. 

Jude took her devastating diagnosis with absolute stoicism and never once question why.  She threw herself into practical tasks tidying up her affairs, not wishing to be a burden on others.  This was typical of a lady who lived a very independent life, full of purpose.  To her, this was another project that needed planning and sorting.  Jude worked hard for everything she had; nothing was given to her on a plate.  She has gone too soon from us but her memory will last.  I'm sure she will approve of donations going to Young Minds, which represents the positive impact she tried to have within the community.  

Bless you Jude, you will be missed.  Wendy  xxx