Judith Byrd

Judith A. Byrd, age 73, of Canton departed this life peacefully at Aultman Hospital where she was born following a lengthy series of illnesses, on September 14, 2021, surrounded by her family and prayer.  She was born on September 2, 1948 to Waldo L. and Louise (Crowder) Tadsen, and graduated from John H. Lehman High School in 1966. She subsequently attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee and completed her BA at Kent State Stark University.

She was keenly active in politics encouraging all to embrace their unique identities, fighting for women's issues, and the LBGTQ community; and expressed her activism within the National Organization for Women. She owned a soft heart for battered women and worked in establishment and management of a women's shelter in Canton for an extended time.

Judy absolutely LOVED dogs because of their pure hearts, and worked tirelessly in fostering and rehoming them.  Of note was her friend and constant companion until his recent passing, Romeo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her daughter, Laura Byrd Keith, in 2019. She is survived by her brother James (Roseanne) Tadsen of Peotone; children, brothers Eric J. (Donna) Byrd of Chicago, and Bryce A. Byrd of Massillon; grandchildren, Daniel Henderson II of Cincinnati, Jennifer Henderson, Jasmin Henderson, and Jade Parker, all of Canton; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Matthew,  Ava, Oliver, Stella, and Hudson; and former spouse Norman L. Byrd.

Final arrangements are managed by the Arnold Funeral Home, 1517 Market Avenue N, Canton (330-456-7291).

Visitation will take place on Monday, September 20th, from 10:00-11:00AM. The funeral service is at 11:00AM, with interment to follow at West Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of floral remembrances, the family requests memorial donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org)

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