Judith Wray Obituary

Dr. Judith Edworthy Wray passed away peacefully on November 26, 2016 in the compassionate care of MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 87. Judith was born in Charleston, West Virginia. She earned her bachelor's degree in theater and fine arts from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. She pursued advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she received her master's degree in radio and television, then a doctorate in theater and speech communication.

Judith and her husband, John L. Wray, moved to Denver in 1956, where she began a passionate career as a theatrical professional, educator, and arts administrator. She served for fourteen years as associate professor of speech and drama, and director of readers' theater productions at Loretto Heights College. From the mid-1950s through the late 1960s, Judith performed and directed theatre productions on prominent stages throughout Denver, including Bonfils Theater, Columbine Playhouse, and The Changing Scene. In 1967-68, she presented her unique multimedia adaptation of Alice in Wonderland: "The Underground Alice" at Denver's Third Eye Theatre. Judith created road-show versions of the Alice production that were performed in Chicago and Aspen, Colorado.

In 1970, she accepted a position with the Colorado Council on the Arts and Humanities. Judith served in a pioneering role as director of the Artists-in-the-Schools, the first-in-the-nation program dedicated to cultivating the arts in the public schools. Professional artists from diverse disciplines - filmmaking, fine arts, music, dance, writing, and journalism - taught students in residence at schools throughout Colorado. Within two years, the Artists-in-the-School model was implemented nationwide. Judith became a consultant to other state arts councils and received many honors for supporting the arts in education.

Judith was an active member of Denver's Larry Tajiri Foundation, an organization dedicated to recognizing outstanding accomplishments in journalism and the performing arts, and The Greenway Foundation board. She also helped organize special events for the City of Littleton and was a member of the Littleton's Town and Gown Society as well as the Littleton Fine Arts Committee. In 1982, Judith resigned from the Colorado Arts' Council and accepted a two-year position with the Children's Museum of Denver, where she was instrumental in expanding the program and exhibits. Two years later, the Children's Museum opened its Marsico Campus with a newly constructed building at its present location along the west bank of the Platte River, which now serves over 350,000 visitors per year.

Throughout her sixty-four years of marriage, Judith remained a loving, inspirational voice for her surviving husband and noted geologist, John L. Wray, and supporting mother for their only son, Christopher J. Wray, a Colorado Springs marketing consultant and designer. An adoring grandmother of three, Judith routinely attended performances of her burgeoning dancer grandchildren.

Judith and John were longtime members of the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Judith and her husband traveled extensively abroad, and in 1986, she organized and led a People-to-People delegation of artists and craftsmen to the People's Republic of China. During the three-week itinerary, delegates met and held workshops with noted Chinese artists, where they exchanged ideas, techniques, and customs.

In 1990, the Wrays moved to Colorado Springs, where they quickly engaged in the local arts community, becoming ardent supporters of The Colorado College Summer Music Festival, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and the Pioneers Museum. Judith also served on the Advisory Council of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and the Business of Arts Center in Manitou Springs, and other literary and arts organizations. Judith's avocations included film photography. She was also an avid foil and epée fencer, winning several local and state competitions.

Judith Wray's legacy will live on in the countless individuals she inspired, graced with her wit, humor, and love. The vibrant arts communities of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Manitou are indebted to her untiring devotion to creativity and the excellence in the visual and performing arts.

Judith is survived by her husband, John; son, Christopher; daughter-in-law, Myla; and three grandchildren.

Burial will be private.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held for Judith in Spring 2017; details to be announced.

Representative photographs of Judith in theatrical and oratory performance may be viewed at www.gettyimages.com/photos/judith-wray.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting monetary, tax-deductable donations to the community arts organization, Concrete Couch, 214 East Vermijo Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.