Judith Cheryl “Judi” Gogolen

Mentor -Judith Cheryl “Judi” Gogolen, 70, completed her earthly journey and charted a new course to the heavens on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

Judi was the much beloved daughter of Merle and Marilyn (Rubin) Levin born on February 19, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her brother Dennis and sister, Nancy completed the family.

After graduating High School Judi earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Bowling Green State University and received her master’s degree from Gallaudet University. Judi was a well-respected mental health counselor for the deaf and hard of hearing. This was her calling and her passion to help those who needed her. Judi also encouraged those families whose loved one was experiencing hearing loss; giving them hope and encouragement through those difficult times.

Judi loved to learn and never stopped trying to keep up with the advancements in the Mental Health Profession. She believed in educating herself and others and continued to do so after her retirement and during her illness.

Always one to put others first; while in elementary school Judi saw a need for preschool education and created a successful nursery school for those children. This was the steppingstone to a career of helping children and young adults.

Judi was an active member and advisor to the Rare Disease Committee in the United States Senate always fighting for funding for those lesser known and underfunded diseases. She made a difference in the lives of many and was proud of the Committee’s accomplishments.

Judi had many interests and hobbies; her enjoyment of the Cleveland Indians and now the Guardians was a lifelong love affair no matter the team record she always believed, rarely missing a game whether in person or a live broadcast. An avid reader and wonderful cook, Judi was a vegetarian for well over fifty years and encouraged others to try vegetarian meals.

A collector of vintage Shirley Temple memorabilia, Judi would share her knowledge and expertise about the doll collections and the many movies in which Shirley Temple starred.

A genuine lover of animals, Judi had a special connection with cats and over the years she was “mom” to many fur babies.

Those left to cherish and keep her memory alive are her husband of forty years, Patrick Gogolen; her much beloved and devoted brother Dennis Levin and his wife, Lesley Reed of Washington, her loving sister and best friend, Nancy Levin; nephews, Shawn Levin and his wife, Michelle Kosterich and Sage Levin; those many persons whom she assisted over the years.

Judi was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Marilyn Levin.

Private graveside services were held as Judi requested.

To honor Judi’s memory, consider contributions to Joni and Friends; PO Box 3335, Agora Hills California, 91376-3333 or Best Friends Animal Society; 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah, 84741.

Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory; 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 is assisting the family. www.ducro.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Judith, please visit our Tree Store.

https://www.ducro.com/obituaries/Judith-Cheryl-Gogolen?obId=27997799