Bio: Robida, Judy (Memorial - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Parker, Robida, Underwood

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 6/03/2015

Colby kids say goodbye to “Grandma Judy”

By Christian Parker

Colby Elementary students gathered Monday morning to recognize Judy Robida, known by students and staff as ‘Grandma Judy.”

Robida was a stepworker at the school, assisting Lisa Underwood’s first-grade classroom. She died in February after a battle with cancer.

Underwood spoke Monday of the fond memories and optimism Robida brought to her classroom.

“Grandma Judy made connections with each student she worked with,” she said.”She made each kid feel special and important in their own way. She made a difference in the kid’s sight works, spelling words and math concepts. But, the biggest difference she made was in the kids’ attitudes and efforts.

“She was so natural, caring and nurturing with the student,” Underwood remembers. “She taught the kids much more than academics. She was very proud when the students made improvements or break-throughs as if they were her own grandchildren. She was so upbeat and optimistic at school even through her battle with cancer. The students and I still talk about her and miss her all the time. They will remind me, ‘Mrs. Underwood, you are not doing things like Grandma Judy did!”

In her memory, Robida’s family donated money to Colby elementary, which the school used to purchase two new books for the library, “How To Babysit A Grandma” and “How to Babysit A Grandpa,” plus two new iPads and school supplies.

Her son Craig Rodida, thanked the first-grade class and Underwood for the kindness they showed to Grandma Judy.

“She loved coming to this school - to work with so many of you,” he said. “She loved to spend time with you, to see you learn and to see you grow. She loved all of you. Please always remember her and try to do your best each and every day. That would mean a lot to her.”

Along with Craig, Judy’s husband, Ron, and siblings Cuyler, Chad and Cara and their families attended the assembly.

“To us, Grandma Judy was a great wife, an extraordinary mother and phenomenal grandma.” Craig Robida said. “She was simply the best. We love you Mom.”

Underwood quoted Tim McGraw with touching words to remember Grandma Judy: “We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere!”

Note: Obituary of Judy A. (Winters) Robida is located at: http://www.wiclarkcountyhistory.org/5data/118/118146.htm