Judith Yaklin Obituary

Judith "Judy" Yaklin

Our sweet wife and mom, Judith "Judy" (Ankenbrandt) Yaklin, age 86, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 16, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones in care at Elizabeth Scott in Maumee. Born in Toledo, OH July 23rd, 1938 to George and Marguerite (Knoke) Ankenbrandt, Judy lived an extraordinary life of courage, faith, and generosity to others. Her kindness and compassion led her into teaching after graduating from Mary Manse College. "Miss Ankenbrandt," as she was known then, taught in her twenties and thirties at Rosary Cathedral Parish school, and years later would still run into former students who always remembered her with great affection. During this time of her single life, Judy traveled all over Europe with her mother, sister Peggy, and friends, excited about each new adventure. She loved sharing stories of these travels, and her home contained many cherished souvenirs.

After her father passed, Judy, her mother, and sister bought a house together and enjoyed each other's companionship until Peggy's marriage to Pat Cunningham in 1973. Shortly after, Judy met the love of her life, Harvey "Ken" Yaklin. Words cannot express how much they loved each other, and they took joy in their relationship each day of their nearly fifty-year marriage. The birth of their five children made their family complete. Once her children were out of the toddler stage, Judy returned to teaching in 1985 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Here also, she was recognized for her gift of reaching each student and remained a fourth-grade teacher there for over twenty years, continuing to substitute even after retirement. Her children joke about how often Judy was greeted by former students in all kinds of spaces: waiting rooms, doctor's offices, restaurants, and parking lots. Her impact was much bigger than she ever realized.

Judy was humble about all her accomplishments, which included taking on the challenge of becoming a Master Docent at the Toledo Museum of Art during her retirement. This required a years-long commitment and mastering new technology skills. She continued to give to the community as a member of the funeral choir at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a volunteer on the funeral luncheon committee, a Eucharistic Minister, and a teacher at Safe-T City. Her biggest gift was spending time with her grandchildren, whom she loved wholeheartedly.

She was incredibly brave during her battle with cancer, and her family is so proud of her. We know she now feels no fear, no anxiety, and no pain. Judy is survived by her beloved husband Ken; children, Sara (Bill Gibson); Molly (Ted Lindsley); Mike and Elizabeth; her grandchildren, Bella, Matt and Maya Gibson, Cricket (Soph), Bella, Lila and Mia Lindsley; nephew, Patric Cunningham; nieces, Kelley (Josh) Surdell and Megan Cunningham; and great nieces, Haley, Rebekah and Kelsey. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel, in 2000; her sister, Peggy Cunningham (2020); and brother in law, Patrick Cunningham (2007).

Visitation will be held at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S Reynolds Rd., Wednesday, October 23rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service to follow. A Funeral Mass celebrating Judy's life will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Thursday, October 24th beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the church. Private interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.

Finally, her family wishes to thank all the staff at Mercy Perrysburg and Elizabeth Scott Community for their wonderful care and kindness during the last chapter of Judy's life. Please view Judy's video tribute and leave a condolence message at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

www.coylefuneralhome.com