Judith Hooker

Judith Hooker (nee Tucker), 80, of Corvallis died Thursday in her home surrounded by family. Judy lived her life with grace and optimism and touched countless lives with her gentle, loving and generous spirit. She will be deeply missed by her extended family and many friends. Judy was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1931 to Frances and Edward Tucker. She grew up in Birmingham and had joyful memories of summers spent at Camp Arbutus in northern Michigan, where she met lifelong friends. She graduated from Kingswood /Cranbrook high school and attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where she met Kent Hooker, and together they had three children. Judy was a nurturing, loving and supportive mother and she encouraged her children to follow their own vision and passions. The Hooker family lived in Lexington and then Dublin, Ohio, for several years before moving to Wexford, Pennsylvania. Judy completed her undergraduate degree and earned a graduate degree in education at Slippery Rock State College and taught second grade in the North Allegheny school system outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for more than 20 years. She cared deeply about her students and felt blessed to have a career that was so enjoyable and meaningful to her. Energetic, adventurous and naturally curious, Judy enjoyed world traveling. Many summers she would travel with friends to stay at Chautauqua Institute, a retreat in western New York, where she took a wide range of classes in art, music, philosophy and religion. In 2000, Judy moved from Pennsylvania to Corvallis, Oregon, to be closer to her daughter and other family members. She greatly enjoyed her grandchildren and followed their activities with a keen interest. Her faith was very important to her, and she was a member of the Episcopal church throughout her life. Survivors: Daughter Karen Hooker and her husband Ken Provencher of Corvallis; son Thomas Hooker and his wife Kristen Rabe of Arlington, Texas; son Daniel Hooker and his wife Mary of Bellinhgam, Washington. Four grandchildren, Christopher and Andrew Provencher and Maddy and Liam Hooker. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Corvallis or the Corvallis Caring Place.

Judith Hooker

April 14, 1931 - July 7, 2011