Judith M. Lidberg, former canon for ordained vocations for the Diocese of Massachusetts, died at her home in South Windsor, Conn., on Sept. 23 as a result of ovarian cancer.
For more than seven years prior to her retirement in February 2013, Lidberg helped to raise up
Tracy J. Sukraw
Judith M. Lidberg
and form clergy who will lead the church for years to come, according to her successor in the position, the Rev. Canon Edie Dolnikowski.
"Judith's clarity of vision, pastoral sensitivity, kindness and good humor sustained the postulants and candidates in her care, thereby enriching the church with a generation of effective ordained leaders," Dolnikowski said.
Lidberg was known and respected across the wider church for her work in a number of places and capacities: At St. George's College and St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem, beginning in the late 1980s; at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., and later on the staff of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas in the 1990s; and on the diocesan staff in Massachusetts beginning in December 2005. Upon retirement, Lidberg returned to Connecticut to be near family and friends.
"Her loss is a blow to many of us who knew her, loved her and prayed for her. And yet her faith was one of optimism and courage, seeing the hope and possibility even in tough decisions and on questionable days," the Rev. Canon Mally Lloyd, Canon to the Ordinary, wrote in a message to diocesan clergy and leadership. "She was a resurrection person and a model for us all."
A celebration of Lidberg's life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church (41 Park Street) in Manchester, Conn. Private burial will be at a later date.
Messages of condolence may be sent to her son, Richard E. Lidberg, and his family at 886 Oak Street, East Hartford, CT 06118.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, designated for St. George's College, at 25 Old Kings Highway North, Suite 13, Darien CT 06820.