Judith Lynn Schreiber

Judith Lynn Schreiber of Catonsville, MD passed away peacefully on October 2, 2022 at Gilchrist Hospice. Born in Baltimore in 1949 and raised in Catonsville, she was the daughter of Joseph F. Schreiber, the owner of the sporting goods store Schreiber & Jones, and Evelyn Mae Kestler, a homemaker.

Judy had an early love of horses and spent many happy hours of her childhood on horseback. A graduate of Catonsville High School and UMBC, Judy earned a degree in English, with a minor in Elementary Education. She developed her career in the Baltimore County Home and Hospital Program, finding a special vocation teaching students who were hospitalized and could not attend regular classes. Her avowed focus was on those students who were critically ill and often passed over by other teachers. As difficult as it was to teach young terminally ill children, Judy found it her calling.

Because of the limitations brought on by the onset of arthritis as a young adult, Judy then discovered a passionate devotion to dogs. From her first dog Rosie, Judy’s life was enriched by the companionship of several dogs – notably schnauzers and poodles. She was an expert obedience trainer and several of her devoted pets earned Utility Dog titles. A member of the Dog Owners Training Club for more than 20 years, Judy made many lifelong friends among the dog owners she met through her days of training and attending shows, and her membership in several local dog clubs. She proudly displayed the many awards she won, but she was equally happy to impart her knowledge of dog ownership and training with anyone who shared her love of dogs.

Judy was also known as an enthusiastic country music fan. She became a fan of Loretta Lynn in the early 1960’s and traveled to at least 12 of her concerts and went to visit Loretta’s home in Butcher Holler. In the late 1960’s following a Loretta Lynn concert, the two spent a great deal of time together, and Loretta offered to hire Judy to tutor her children. Judy ultimately declined the offer due to the heavy travel schedule required, but the two maintained contact for many years and at her bicentennial concert in 1976, Loretta brought Judy to the stage to join her. It was a thrilling memory Judy always remembered.

As part of a large extended family, Judy cared for many family members and lovingly told their stories with humor and detail. Although she was beset by physical challenges, Judy maintained an independent spirit and pride in any project she undertook. Her attention to detail was legendary. She was a generous friend and neighbor who was part of many communities that she loved and maintained through her lifetime.

She is survived by her nieces Jody (Schreiber) Wilson and Lauree (Schreiber) Conrad, her goddaughter Shannon Staley, devoted service dog Dillon, and many loving friends.

Interment will be private. Donations may be made in Judy’s name to the Humane Society (www.humanesociety.org) or Gilchrist Hospice (www.gilchristcares.org)

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