Judith E. Detzel

Judith Evelyn (Kraverath) Detzel, 64, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, September 2^nd, 2023, in her home in Ellsworth, NH after a multi-year struggle with cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved family.  

Judy was born on Long Island, NY on December 18, 1958 to William and Evelyn Kraverath. Through William’s work as a salesman, the family, including Judy and her two brothers, Bill and Scott, moved from Long Island to Maryland and eventually to Hudson, OH where Judy graduated from high school. 

At university Judy discovered a true passion for art and sought adventure by traveling to Yellowstone National Park to work in the summers. It was there, backpacking in the woods, that she met the love of her life, Carl Detzel, who immediately recognized her adventurous, kind, and brave spirit. 

Judy and Carl were married on October 18, 1980 and moved to Saxonburg Road in Butler, PA in 1982. Here they made lifelong friends through Carl’s work at Shaler High School and through Jefferson Center Presbyterian Church. Judy established Sundance Art Studio, where she created dazzling works of stained glass that ranged from enormous church windows to unique window displays. Judy exhibited and sold her work at art shows and galleries all around the area.

Before having children, Judy and Carl through-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1983. Two children followed, first James and then Kelly. They traveled as a family on epic summer trips in their van around the country. From Arizona to Alaska, Montana to Oregon-- they spent months backpacking, camping, swimming, and exploring the mountains of the American West.

Judy’s life was beautifully lived with a passion for the Lord and his natural world, including birding, wildflowers, and watercolor painting. She loved to celebrate her family and friends by preparing beautiful homemade meals. When Carl retired in 2006 they continued to seek adventure and moved to the woods of the White Mountains in NH. They bought a log cabin and transformed the property into a beautiful garden with walking trails and an always welcoming dinner table.  

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at St. John of the Mountains Chapel in Ellsworth, NH on Saturday, September 23 at 1:00 PM. Immediately following the service, friends and family are to gather at Wellington State Park Beach at the Duck’s Nest Pavilion at 3:00PM for a picnic style dinner and gathering. 

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in memory of Judy can do so to Quincy Bog https://t99.990.myftpupload.com/basic-page-2/ or to Dartmouth Cancer Center: https://dhgeiselgiving.org/causes/cancer#giving-options.

St. John of the Mountain Chapel is located at 840 Ellsworth Hill Rd, Ellsworth, NH 03223. The chapel is located at the intersection of Ellsworth Hill Road and Ellsworth Pond Road (west of Rumney, NH and east of Campton, NH).

Please note that there is no bathroom facility here. Dress is casual.

Wellington State Park is located at 614 W Shore Rd, Bristol, NH 03222.

Upon entering the park tell the attendant (if there is one) that you are with the Detzel family. There is a bathroom here. You will have to walk in sand to get to the outdoor pavilion.