Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Ted, Kris, Melissa, your mother was one tough lady. The Cloy family was my first 'second family' when I moved to Middleport in 1977 as Kevin became one of my very best friends almost instantly upon arriving in Roy-Hart school in 9th grade. I was fixated on the farming life and as you know, was at your house almost more than I was at mine. As an outsider, your mom kept everything organized and on schedule at home as the Farmer's wife tending to 4 kids and your Dad, all this while working outside the home as well. She had flexibility in her voice but you knew she had definite rules she wanted followed. She would always welcome me in to sit down while waiting for Kevin to change after chores and would always caution me to have fun but be careful and don't get into trouble. I remember how stern she was when Kev married Liz...during rehearsal making it clear that there was to be no clapping in church during the service...as it was God's House and proper respect should be given! He zeal to keep on keeping on after Don died was evident by her receiving knee replacement and continually living on her own...independently, while she probably could've benefited from assisted living. However, she did it her way...and there was no compromising with that! It seemed like every time my mom or dad was in Medina Hospital for some procedure, so was your mom. I know my dad and she had many great conversations while in the Medical Rehab unit after one of his surgeries a couple years back. When my mom died in October, I was floored to receive a sympathy card with a lengthy personal note in it from her...it meant the world to me that she did that. Thoughtful, stern, practical and genuine...Judy Cloy was a person who met challenges head-on and never gave up. She was a great inspiration, a person who respected you and in turn, was respected back and a women who loved her family. I will miss her smile, her sassy attitude and her smile as she knew that while she cautioned us, boys will be boys. :) Rest in Peace Mrs. Cloy, you've earned it!
