Judith Price Obituary

Judith Ellison Price passed away on November 13, 2012, after years of physical challenges. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 22, 1944, the daughter of James Owen Price and Emily Ellison Price. She and her family moved to Hillsborough, California. Her early life in Honolulu and in the San Francisco area exposed her to different cultural influences and led to her special passion for "all things Asian". Judy was an avid horsewoman and was particularly devoted to her hunter-jumper Furdie, and her canine companions Sasha, Taki and Zambrina. Her love for opera was fostered at the San Francisco Opera, her favorite was Madama Butterfly. As in her travels Judy was fearless and adventurous with her wardrobe; her taste ranging from the delightfully quirky and funky to simply chic. She was one of the first westerners to venture to China after President Nixon established diplomatic relations with Mao's government in 1972. Her innate good manners, her receptiveness to different cultures and ideas and experiences, and her wit made her the best of traveling companions and an avid voyager. Judy moved to Colorado in 1962 to attend the Colorado Women's College in Denver. She graduated in 1966 with a B.A., as she liked to say, in partying. She was a successful businesswoman and former Director at The Bank At Broadmoor and owned an international speedboat racing team PBG Marine. In the early 1980's, Judy embarked on a new phase of her life. She returned to study Chinese and Japanese history. She was determined to get a serious education at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, where, at her very first registration, she met the professor who would change her life and who would become her mentor and friend, Professor William Donahue, whom Judy always called "the Doc". Under his guidance Judy began to earn a second B.A. (in history) and an M.A. in history. In one of the proudest moments of her life, the department offered her the opportunity to teach classes in Asian history which she did until the fall of 2012. She was an outstanding instructor. A lively and entertaining lecturer, Judy, always on the cutting edge, incorporated many creative teaching techniques. Judy became a mentor and confidante for hundreds of students. She had a real gift for encouraging and motivating those who entered her classroom. While her standards for scholarship and writing were high she treated her students with humanity and compassion. She had a particular rapport with non-traditional students. Her exceptional gift for teaching was honored by the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences in 2008 with an award for outstanding part-time instructor. She dedicated Saturdays to college football. Judy was a devoted fan of the AFA Falcons and an even more rabid fan of the Colorado Buffaloes! Judy had a strong philanthropic commitment. She touched many with her generosity including Care and Share Food Bank and many other organizations. Her particular love for the Department of History at UCCS led her to fund the first endowed chair in the department's history: the William J. Donahue Chair of East Asian History. Judy was a valued and loyal friend. Her colleagues, students, friends and family deeply mourn her loss. Judy is survived by her brothers: Gordon Price (Marta) and Courtney Price (Ann), her sister, Cathryn Ellison: her nephews, Jo Price, Tim Price, and Noah Price: her niece, Brandy Price: and her great-nephew, Jack. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Care and Share Food Bank.

Published by The Gazette on Nov. 25, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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I was fortunate enough to enjoy a couple of Prof. Price's classes as well as work with her as her "sherpa" for several semesters. She was a grand lady with a sharp intellect that matched her razor sharp wit. Judy was an inspiration and a model for all. She will be missed more than she could ever know.

Aloha nui loa, a hui hou.

Shelley Kirkpatrick-Haddock

December 2, 2012

I did not know Judy, but I just read her memorial tribute and I have to say that I wish I had known her! What an amazingly wonderful woman she was - a hero to women everywhere and I am sure a great role model for all women. I am sorry for her loss to the world. (I never respond to guest books of people I don't know, this is the first time and I am so touched by her tribute).

Patti Chamberlain

November 28, 2012

I am reading this sad news from Asia. She was one of the great influences in my life, and I am eternally grateful to her.

Peter Shaskey-Fredrick

November 28, 2012

Judy was on of my favorite professors. Her love for history was infectious. She was loved and will be missed.

Stacy Strobel

November 27, 2012

I was her student in the 90s. I still laugh when remember her wonderful humorous story about the student writing about the Ainu People. She made history come alive. I still think of her often.

November 27, 2012

I never had her as a regular professor, but she filled in for one of my professors one night. She was a great professor and she will be missed
~ Becky Adams

November 27, 2012

She was a wonderful educator who will be missed.

Grant Haas

November 27, 2012

Heaven is just a little bit brighter!!!
How will we miss you Judy!!!!

Lorraine Marie Arangno

November 27, 2012

I'm stunned and deeply saddened to read of Judy's passing. She was an important auntie of mine, and I'm sorry that we lost touch. Still, I treasure the many fun moments we had at her Strickland (sp?) Road residence.

My thoughts are with you Uncle Gordon, Marta, Brandy, Joe, Time, Jack and Catherine.

- Cari Davis

November 27, 2012

Judy was a kind and generous person, and a delight to talk with. I'll miss her deeply.

William Dwayer

November 26, 2012

She will be missed. She was one of my favorite professors.

a student

November 26, 2012

My condolences to the Price/Ellison families. I loved Judy and her sense of humor and have missed the time and years that I was her 'nail tech'. This is a loss for all.

November 26, 2012

We always loved it when Judy came into the bank! She is an extraordinary spirit that will be missed.

Marjie Symmes

November 25, 2012

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