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It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of our mother’s passing on July 1st, 2017. She died suddenly and unexpectedly from an aggressive form of lymphoma. It is shocking and heartbreaking to us all.
| A native New Yorker and artist of incredible vision and talent, Judith received her MFA from Hunter College. She studied in Venice. Her work, which is currently held in numerous museums and corporate collections, was about color and light contained in a minimal, geometric format. Judith Croce, M.F.A. was a Professor of Fine Art at Caldwell University where she inspired colleagues and students alike. She assumed the Art Department chairmanship in 1987. Three department specializations were created: Studio, Visual Communications, and Graphic Design. In 1989, an Art Therapy Certificate program was begun for a handful of students. As the program and demand gradually increased there were many points at which this program was not seen as viable but for Judith’s fierce persistence and long-range vision. Today the Art Therapy program has an undergraduate double-major in Art and Psychology that feeds into a Masters Degree program and NJ state licensure. This program, initiated by Judith Croce in the eighties, was nurtured from tiny enrollments and incremental faculty hiring, to become an academic field that attracts the majority of the Art Department’s students to the university. She loved to teach, travel, spend time with her family and many, many friends. Judith lived life to the fullest. Judith is survived by her two brothers, John and Robert, her three daughters, Danielle, Kristin, and Dana, and her grandson Henry. |
Gerry Hubert
My father passed away earlier this month and I was not able to make it up from Virginia for the Memorial. I remember Judith as so good to her students. What I loved most about Judith as a teacher was how she fostered the individuality of each student. She challenged us to step outside our comfort zones but put the students' interests first. Those of us who were open and listened really blossomed with her. I still paint in oils and use the same principles she taught us in basic painting. My visits over the years were few and far between but I always looked forward to seeing her.
-Gerry Hubert, BFA Painting 93
-Gerry Hubert, BFA Painting 93
Ratkingcake 02
I KNEW HER when I attended Classes at Caldwell, I am heart broken , she was awesome
Charlotte Chaney
So sorry to hear this. I studied art at Caldwell graduation in 1992. Thank you for sharing this beautiful memory. I know you miss her terribly.
Michele Cano
Judith was professor when I began my journey as an adult undergraduate last August of 2016. Judith supported me and encouraged me constantly. This is a little something I wrote in her honor on my social media ❤
Going back to school as an adult is difficult. You have an internal struggle of wondering whether you will be able to actually go through with it. If you will be respected as an adult and not a child... If you will be encouraged despite your age. My design professor Judith did all of those things for me. She drove me to create in a way that was uncomfortable for me and for that I loved and respected her. I would see the kids in my class grow frustrated by her suggestions or advice and think... One day you will understand why she is saying these things to you. She had an interest beyond simply teaching and that was to allow each student to unleash their true artistic potential. I had never painted the way I did when I was in her classes. I would legitimately get lost in color ... In brush strokes. When I got pregnant, the very first people to know were my art professors. They encouraged me to see a counselor and they assured and REASSURED me that I would make it through just fine. Judith would see me on the days in the very beginning of my pregnancy where I had a migraine, nausea, and the whole routine, she would say yesss I remember those days well in the beginning of my pregnancies and she would smile and say it will pass soon just be strong. She said it will all be worth it when your baby is here and if you need to bring your baby to class then I will gladly have you do that. I sincerely truly could not have asked for better support, care, understanding, and love. Today I found out that when I go back to school after having my little boy, Judith will not be there for me to share my happiness with and I instantly felt this sadness. Up in the skies, Judith, please know that you changed my life. Caldwell University has become a home to me and you were a friend I never imagined I would make in my time there. Whenever I finally accept my diploma, I will carry you in my heart. Thank you.
- With love, Michele Cano.
Going back to school as an adult is difficult. You have an internal struggle of wondering whether you will be able to actually go through with it. If you will be respected as an adult and not a child... If you will be encouraged despite your age. My design professor Judith did all of those things for me. She drove me to create in a way that was uncomfortable for me and for that I loved and respected her. I would see the kids in my class grow frustrated by her suggestions or advice and think... One day you will understand why she is saying these things to you. She had an interest beyond simply teaching and that was to allow each student to unleash their true artistic potential. I had never painted the way I did when I was in her classes. I would legitimately get lost in color ... In brush strokes. When I got pregnant, the very first people to know were my art professors. They encouraged me to see a counselor and they assured and REASSURED me that I would make it through just fine. Judith would see me on the days in the very beginning of my pregnancy where I had a migraine, nausea, and the whole routine, she would say yesss I remember those days well in the beginning of my pregnancies and she would smile and say it will pass soon just be strong. She said it will all be worth it when your baby is here and if you need to bring your baby to class then I will gladly have you do that. I sincerely truly could not have asked for better support, care, understanding, and love. Today I found out that when I go back to school after having my little boy, Judith will not be there for me to share my happiness with and I instantly felt this sadness. Up in the skies, Judith, please know that you changed my life. Caldwell University has become a home to me and you were a friend I never imagined I would make in my time there. Whenever I finally accept my diploma, I will carry you in my heart. Thank you.
- With love, Michele Cano.
Evan Read
Judith was my studio neighbor for several years at the Elizabeth Foundation for the arts in the 90s. We had lots of good conversation and regular studio visits. What a good friend. I'm so very sad to hear this.