Judith Ellen (Williams) Schindler
Nov. 18, 1947 - Sep. 27, 2022
Judith Ellen (Williams) Schindler of the Cattaraugus Seneca Territory, passed away at 4:03 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, at the Salamanca Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, she was 74. Judith was born Nov. 18, 1947, in Silver Creek, N.Y., the daughter of the late Myra Rita (Snow) Williams and Basil George Williams.
She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan. Judith was a graduate of Gowanda High School 1965. After graduation she attended Ithaca University, later receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree and a second Bachelor of Education from SUNY Fredonia. She also spent a summer studying native arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Throughout her career she was devoted to education and advancement of Iroquois culture working with both youth and adult learners. The expression of her arts was evident in all her teachings. She served as an auxiliary for Iroquois Legion Post 1587, she was a dedicated member of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Irving. She was married to Cyrus Martin Schindler Jr. from April 25, 1970, to May 10, 1991.
Judith is survived by four daughters: Anna Louise (Wallace) Ward, Chrissy Marie Schindler, Jeanette Lee Schindler, Julie Lynn (Herbert) Farner; eleven grandchildren: Heather Eileen Ward, Brian Basil Ward, Jeffery Seton Maracle, Symone Olivia Maracle, Lylla Carole Schindler, Matthew Dean Valliere Jr., Jordan Elizabeth Valliere, Basil Brady Valliere, Jack Cyrus Thompson, Cyrus Wayne Farner and Wayne Martin Farner; three great-grandchildren: Lailynne Anna Tarnowski, Hazel Rae Valliere and Bryson Basil Valliere. She also survived by two sisters: Kathleen Ann Williams and Agnes Fay Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews. Judith is predeceased by her sister, Jane Louise Williams.
Judy was an artist and lover of all forms of artist expression. She was a member of the Friends of Native Roots Artist Guild. Her unique corn husk dolls highlighted many aspects of Seneca culture. Judy’s work has been displayed at SUNY Fredonia, Ganondagan, and Seneca Gaming Properties and in Documentaries. She was an intellectual and enjoyed having discussions about history, culture and genealogy. She most loved talking about her daughter’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.
The family will be present to receive friends Thursday from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m., at the ADDISON FUNERAL HOME, INC. 262 N. Main St. Angola, NY, where services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the family cemetery 12110 Burning Springs Road, Cattaraugus Seneca Territory.
