Judy Krause Spahr
June 2, 2025

JUDY KRAUSE SPAHR: Age 85, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025.

Judy was an impassioned artist who could always be found happily creating masterful canvases with acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal. She brought her passion for art to Carnegie Mellon University where she received her BA in Fine Arts and later became an accredited art teacher. Judy also dedicated herself to helping others with her Masters of Social Work from University of Pittsburgh that she used at McKeesport Hospital.

In her spare moments, she was a part of U.S. Masters Swimming, an active member at Rodef Shalom, and the women's group at Chabad of the South Hills.

Judy was the daughter of the late Dr. Gilbert and Belle Krause, and identical twin sister of the late Trudy Kapner. She is survived by her brother Paul Krause and brother-in-law Leonard Kapner.

Judy was the proud and devoted mother to Nathan (Jamie) Bennett, Steven (Terri Gomez) Bennett, David (Mindy) Bennett. She found her greatest joy in her grandchildren: Lexi, Elijah, Isabela, Gabriela, Elizabeth, Gregory, Shayna, Eliana, and Bailey.

Judy had a beautiful love for family and cherished all the moments growing up with her cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. 

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to service (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. 

Contributions may be made to The Branch (formerly Jewish Residential Services), 2609 Murray Avenue, #201, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. www.schugar.com

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I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of Judy Krause Spahr I knew her when we were kids and she and Trudy used to visit my neighbors the Hazens on South Negley Avenue with their Dad Gigs!

By Richard Gordon - June 04, 2025

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What a warm, loving, talented and funny woman Judy was. Just thinking of her makes me smile. With the paintings of hers that I am lucky enough to have, she will continue to be a much loved presence in my home. May her memory be for a blessing. Sending hugs and condolences to the family.

By Sima Godfrey - June 04, 2025

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I will always have fond memories of taking art classes with Judy. She was an enthusiastic teacher and was encouraging to everyone.

By Arden Solomon - June 03, 2025

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I didn't know Judy well enough, and never saw her after her birthday in May 2018, which I believe she spent in LA with Trudy, who I spent a lot more time with. But, her relationship with Trudy always made me smile; even as Trudy declined, she would tell us about how much she loved (and sometimes worried about!) her sister. I don't think I've ever met a sibling pair more connected, and I think that somewhere the two of them are happy to be reunited. I'm sorry I can't make the funeral on short notice, I'm hosting a research group in Cambridge starting on June 5. Sending my love to everyone.

By Ben Krause - June 03, 2025

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Dear Family, My deepest condolences to you all. May the peace of God cover you as you go through this difficult time. Thank you for the privilege to care for sweet Judy as her nurse. I always enjoyed her humor. You all were blessed to have a loving mother. God bless you. Shalom! Lowenda Hallberg

By Lowenda Hallberg - June 03, 2025

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