Judith Wood Coleman

Judith Wood Coleman, 85, of Centreville, VA, died peacefully with her family by her side on November 2. Judy was born in Salisbury, Maryland on March 12, 1929 to Dr. and Mrs. Justin (Edna) Wood. A graduate of Wicomico High School and Duke University with a B.A. in Education, Judy initially taught English at Kramer Junior High School in Southeast Washington. In 1953, she began her government career as an administrative assistant to Nelson Rockefeller during his terms as Under Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and as special assistant to President Eisenhower. Under the direction of Harold Stassen, Judy worked abroad in London and Geneva supporting the initial efforts for international disarmament. She then joined the Central Intelligence Agency and worked directly under Robert Amory and Allen Dulles. After a 20-year hiatus to raise her family, Judy returned to the C.I.A. in 1982 as an editor and education specialist; she retired in 1993.

In 1961, Judy married Robert Francis Coleman, her husband and inseparable companion of 53 years who survives her. They were married on September 9 in Salisbury, MD and celebrated the number “9” as the source of their good fortune. Together, they traveled the world by land and sea.

In addition to her husband, Judy is survived by her three children: Justin (Lea) of Indianapolis, IN, Ann Mastrota (Mike) of Annandale, VA, and Rob of Atlanta, GA. Also surviving are four beautiful granddaughters, Ally, Katy and Jenna Mastrota and Rachael Coleman.

Judy was a sweet, gentle, kind-hearted woman who touched the hearts of many. She believed “Remember only the good times and the good things.” She was an exceptional mother and grandmother who cherished the celebration of holidays with her family. She loved attending her four grandchildren's events and was a popular fan cheering on the sidelines of their soccer, lacrosse and basketball games.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 7 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.,at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046.

On Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 p.m., a memorial service will be held at Walker Chapel United Methodist Church, 4102 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22207. A reception will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Clyde’s of Tysons Corner, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Judy's honor to Arlington Radiology Oncology in care of Dr. Robert Hong, 1701 George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22205.