June 22, 1918 – July 10, 2014
Eugenia (“Jean”) Schudt was born in Brooklyn, New York to Swedish immigrant parents, Gustav Richards and Bertha Nelson Richards. Jean grew up in Babylon, Long Island, with her parents and older sister, Beatrice. Jean dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, and her talent won her several awards. She worked in New York’s garment district, and had an innate sense for fashion (and shopping!) up until the end.
In the 40s, Jean changed direction and became a Registered Nurse specializing in Public Health. She rode her bike around Coney Island as a Visiting Nurse. She also worked for the Red Cross during wartime.
On March 3, 1949, Jean married broadcasting pioneer William Schudt, Jr. in Babylon. William, best known for the early radio program, “Bill Schudt’s Going To Press”, went on to become an executive of CBS. The pair moved to suburban Baldwin, Long Island, where Jean gave birth to their only daughter, Alicia Marie. Jean left nursing and devoted herself to home and family. She became active in community organizations, and held offices in the PTA, Woman’s Advance Club, the L. I. Federation of Women’s Clubs, and enjoyed playing bridge with her friends. Meanwhile, she used her nursing skills at home with Alicia’s severe asthma, and cared for her beloved Bill until his passing in 1984.
Since Jean finally had time for herself, she became a world traveler, visiting Scandinavia, Europe, Indonesia, South America, Alaska, the Caribbean and most of all, Las Vegas. When she ran out of countries to visit, she moved to California to be near her daughter, son-in-law Robert, and grand-daughter Ashley. Jean lived in Castle Hill in Thousand Oaks for five years where she met her close friends Rogelia Sandoval and Marian Benson. They followed her to University Village when it opened and had many happy times. She enjoyed playing bingo, meeting friends for early dinner (free wine at 4pm!) and watching the ducklings in the outdoor pond. This past year, her health declined and she moved to Oakview where the nurses and especially the CNAs were extraordinary. They loved her wacky sense of humor and sharp wit, and she loved them.
Jean left this earth peacefully and without pain, her family and close friends at her side. She will be interred in the family plot on Long Island, with a memorial service planned at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks, Westlake Village, California. May she rest in peace in God’s loving presence.
Services will be held on Wed, July 30, 2014 at 10am at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Mortuary: 5600 Lindero Canyon Rd, Westlake Village, CA. Donations may be made in Eugenia’s name to a charity of your choice or the Salvation Army, ASPCA or Red Cross.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18