Donate Here:
The Judy Simmons Scholarship Fund is managed by the South Ohio Society of Women Engineers. Each year, a scholarship will be awarded in Judy’s name to a outstanding SWE Collegiate member who embodies the spirit of SWE. Thank you!
You may also make a donation at any branch of 5/3rd Bank.
About Judy Simmons
Age 66, Judy passed away January 10, 2010, at her home in Springdale (Cincinnati), Ohio. Her memorial service was Saturday, January 23, 2010, 2:00 PM, at Vorhis and Ryan Funeral Home, Springdale, Ohio.
Judith “Judy” Ann (nee Kuss). Beloved wife of the late Robert C. Simmons. Devoted mother of Ann Elizabeth Simmons (Erik Seligman) and Paul Edward Simmons. Loving grandmother of Sonia S. Seligman. Dear daughter of the late Rudolph and Elizabeth Kuss of Wauwatosa, WI. Cherished sister of Kathryn Kuss and the late Rudolph G. Kuss (Lynn). Caring aunt of Rudolph J. Kuss and Kristen Kennelty. Also survived by numerous loved ones.
Judy was a stalwart supporter of SWE, and an active member for nearly 40 years. She was a founding member of SWE South Ohio when it received its charter in July 1973. Judy chaired the 1977 SWE Convention in Cincinnati which changed the focus of SWE National Conferences from technical sessions and tours to Professional Development. She served in nearly every Section office, on committees at the region and national level, was a past Trustee for National SWE, and was the Region G Treasurer for the last 23 years. Judy was a life member and was elevated to Fellow in 1992 for her contributions to SWE.
A 1965 graduate of Purdue, Judy held two patents from her work as a chemical engineer for Proctor and Gamble. She later worked for Tencon, an environmental testing company.
Judy was a perennial at the SWE National Conferences and Regional Conferences and several times was an alternate to the Council of Representatives. She traveled with her family and they saw a lot of the country, criss-crossing to the next host city. Her daughter, Ann, said the family was disappointed when the National Conference moved from mid-summer to the fall schedule, and the long family vacations were no longer possible.
Judy had a wide range of interests and activities, serving on committees in her hometown and working the polls on election day. She indulged her love of speed with her Boxster and met with other Porsche enthusiasts at rallies. Her retirement allowed her more time for golfing, dancing, bridge, and travel. In November, Judy and her son, Paul, visited Hawaii where, among other activities, they also went snorkeling, kayaking, and ziplining.
Judy was vibrant and outgoing, and loved meeting new people and seeing old friends. Her stories about being a woman engineer in the 1960’s and 1970’s were a reminder of how tough it could be and why SWE is still relevant.