Judith Elaine Parker, 79, died unexpectedly Sept. 26, 2022. She was born outside Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Emmaus in 2000. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie Korpowski, of Ohio.

She was a graduate of Purdue University and Columbia University. Her vocation as a teacher and professor of physics, astronomy and adult leadership was her passion. For the past 20 plus years she taught at Muhlenberg College, Allentown and Columbia University, New York City and on occasion, Penn State, Berks Campus and Kutztown University. She was dedicated to her students’ success.

She served on the Upper Milford Planning Commission. She was active with the Historic 1803 House in Emmaus and Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society.

She served as a lector at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Bally.

Before moving to Pennsylvania, she worked for 3M in St. Paul, Minn. in research and development, designing training programs.

She had a particular desire to encourage women in science. She initiated a Women in Science program at 3M.

She enjoyed traveling the world as she worked and taught her students and colleagues.

When not teaching, she enjoyed her antiques and her 160 plus year old home, surrounding a beautiful landscape of tall trees and flowering gardens. She enjoyed attending concerts by the Allentown Symphony, Sartori and Lenape Chamber Ensemble.

She is survived by a sister, Betty Zak, of Strongsville, Ohio. She is predeceased by a daughter, Renee Michelle.

Contributions may be made to The 1803 House, Emmaus; Emmaus Historical Society; Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Bally; Society of Women Engineers, Lehigh Valley Chapter; Lenape Chamber Ensemble and the Lehigh Valley Astronomical Society.

A celebration of her life will be held 1:30 to 2:30 Nov. 6 in the Muhlenberg College Chapel on Muhlenberg campus. Music to start 1:15 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after the service. Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.