BELFAST — At the Troy Howard Middle School library in Belfast, the exemplary legacy of one Waldo County woman will be made known to students thanks to the generosity of community members. 

Following the March 2019 passing of Belfast resident Judith Warren,  community members donated money in her honor to the school’s library. 

Sampling of Purchased Books

Practice Random Acts of Kindness: Bring More Peace, Love, and Compassion into the World

Volunteering & Giving Back: 101 Inspiring Stories of Purpose & Passion

Simple Acts of Kindness: 500+ Ways to Make a Difference

The Art of Kindness: Caring for Ourselves, Each Other & Our Earth

Your Next 24 Hours: One Day of Kindness Can Change Everything

With approximately $600 donated in Warren’s honor, Sarah Joy, the school’s library media specialist, decided to purchase books reflective of the life Warren lived. 

Books about kindness, philanthropy and volunteering (representing Warren’s kind and giving spirit) and about fishing and card games (Warren’s hobbies) were purchased. 

Since some money was donated by a local veterinarian, Joy purchased a few books about dogs, cats and horses. 

A couple fictional books about kids helping other kids in times of need were also purchased. 

“I will be purchasing book plates to put in the books so that they are labeled as being in memory of Judy,” said Joy. “Perhaps students will wonder who she is, and research to find out about the person she was.” 

The University of Maine graduate spent 25 years as a Title 1 Reading Specialist and Librarian for MSAD 34 in Belfast. 

“She is known by hundreds of students as Mrs. Warren, the woman whom could always help them find that just right book, and with whom they could laugh with and entrust their thoughts,” her obituary stated. 

Warren, her obituary continued, was known as an avid reader and for her thoughtfulness, selflessness, humor, witty comeback and lively banter. 

“You could find her cooking many meals for people when they were sick or dealing with a challenge, running errands for them, taking people to doctor's appointments, treatments and also teaching friends how to drive later in life,” her obituary read. “She was also the kind of person who remembered special dates in others lives that went well beyond birthdays.” 

Warren spent time as a Brownie troop leader, classroom volunteer, MEA volunteer, Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights member, Jeff Parola Foundation scholarship committee member, Waldo County Hospital volunteer, Belfast YMCA board member and voting clerk. 

Reach George Harvey at: sports@penbaypilot.com.