Judith E. Rudman
Long-time union activist Judith E. Rudman, died at her home on Long Island Feb. 25. She was 89.
Judith was born in Syracuse and raised in the Bronx. A Hunter College graduate, she earned her master's degree from the University of Cincinnati. She began her career teaching in the New York City public schools and retired in 1986 from West Hempstead High School.
She was a founding leader of the West Hempstead Education Association and continued to serve as a tenacious NYSUT union leader until the end. Current WHEA President Barbara Hafner said she was a powerful voice and union advocate for more than 40 years.
"Judith was one of the first retirees to serve on the NYSUT Board of Directors representing ED 52 retirees. Her support and advocacy for educators and union rights will be greatly missed," Hafner said.
Judith was first elected to the NYSUT Board in 2003 and had just been re-elected to her third full three-year term.
"NYSUT and education unionism in this state lost a friend and impassioned advocate with Judith's passing," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "This month, the RA will honor Judith posthumously when we present the 2012 ‘Not for Ourselves Alone' Sandra Feldman Outstanding Leadership Award, recognizing her lifetime of achievement. The NYSUT Board voted to bestow the honor just before Judith's death."
Memorial contributions can be made to the National Yiddish Book Center.