Wall of Remembrance: English Kempie teacher (53) mourned
“Her special gift was a spirit of distinction that provided her with the ability to observe and understand people. She was small but fearless and had the most beautiful giving heart.”
A beloved English teacher and avid squash coach from Hoërskool Kempton Park, Judy Rudolph, will be remembered by many former and current learners.
“She died unexpectedly in hospital from a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) on the early morning of her 53rd birthday on January 3,” her life partner, Henk Lindeque, said.
“Judy was a devoted Christian who loved God, life, adventure, sports and her two dogs, Jessi and Max.
“She was small but fearless and had the most beautiful giving heart. She gave, without fail, every month to several charities and was the biggest animal lover in this world.”
He said they found true love in their relationship and that she was the most amazing and loyal friend. “She positively impacted so many people’s lives and will be dearly missed by all.”
Judy tested positive for Covid-19 on December 22 after contracting the virus somewhere between December 15 and 18. She was hospitalised two days after testing positive and stayed in hospital for 11 days.
“On her eighth day in the hospital, on December 31, the doctor informed her that she was doing better. She still required oxygen. She was moved to a normal ward,” said Lindeque.
“After a few hours in the normal ward, Judy started feeling worse again, citing symptoms such as being short of breath, very weak, tired, nauseous and even worse compared to when she was first admitted. Judy died three days later,” Lindeque said.
“Judy was very aware and very careful not to contract the virus. She respected all the rules,” Lindeque said.
She will be remembered by learners after a 30-year career in which she taught English to all grades at Hoërskool Kempton Park for the last 15 years after she had worked at Hoërskool Birchleigh for 16 years.
“Judy was a very direct person at times, but with a golden and sincere heart and was well respected by all. Her legacy will live on in many students and people’s lives that crossed her path over the years.
“Her special gift was a spirit of distinction that provided her with the ability to observe and understand people.”
Lindeque said some of her former learners became good friends with her after leaving school. They still talk today about the enormous positive impact she had on their lives.
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Judy was a passionate squash player since her varsity days and played a major role in the Easterns squash community, not only as squash coach for Hoërskool Kempton Park for many years but also as organiser for the school squash league for the whole of the Eastern District.
“For several years, Hoërskool Kempton Park was the ultimate victor of the Tuks Squash series with her as a coach. Kempies also held the number one spot in the school league for most of the years under her watch.”
Lindeque said he will remember Judy as the most beautiful soul, the most loyal and amazing friend, the most fun person to be with, and the love of his life.
“We made the most amazing memories together and I will cherish and love her for all eternity.”
Judy had no children of her own, except for her two dogs which she loved more than anything.
“Her highlight of every day was for the two of us to walking Jessi and Max around the dam early in the morning.”
Judy is survived by Lindeque and her mother, Wilma.
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