Judith Canfield-Henry

Judith Shepard Canfield-Henry died April 12, 2010 at Billings Clinic in Billings, MT, of respiratory complications of cancer. Judy was born December 19, 1942 in Mt. Kisco, NY, the only child of Walter and Ada Carr. She grew up in Chappaqua, NY. Her family moved to Daytona Beach, FL where she completed her last two years of high school. She entered Duke University in nurses training but was unable to continue for financial reasons. Judy transferred to University of Florida, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy (PT) in 1965. She practiced PT at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, Fishersville, VA, and quickly rose to Director of Physical Therapy in 1969. Her interests turned to PT education, and she completed a Master of Science in Education at the University of Kentucky in 1972, and a Doctor of Education from Nova University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 1979, specializing in curriculum development. Judy married Albert Canfield on March 25, 1975 in Toledo, OH. Albert preceded her in death on November 12, 1988. She married Paul Henry on May 5, 1995 in La Crescenta, CA. They moved to Luther, MT in 1998 when they both retired.She was an Assistant Professor at University of Kentucky, Florida International University, and Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She designed and implemented a new physical therapy school at Oakland University, Rochester, MI and served as its first Director. In 1982, she accepted the position of Associate Professor and Director of the School of Physical Therapy, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. Judy wanted to convert the program at Childrens from a certificate program to a Bachelors degree program to improve the opportunities for her graduates. In 1993, she negotiated moving the program to the campus of Chapman University, Orange, CA. She served as Associate Professor and Director of the Division of Physical Therapy from 1993 to 1996, and continued teaching at Chapman until her retirement in 1998. After moving to the Red Lodge area, she worked part-time in Rehabilitation Services at Beartooth Hospital and Health Center (BHHC). She was a member of the national committee for accreditation of physical therapy teaching programs. She was the author or co-author of forty-eight publications and major conference presentations in her field.Judy was a fierce advocate for excellence in physical therapy and physical therapy education, and dedicated countless hours to elevating her profession. She was a very active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) from 1964 until her death, and served as President of the Section on Education from 1988 to 1992, and President of the Section on Geriatrics from1998 to 2004. She was internationally recognized and at the time of her death, was Vice-President and President-Elect of the International Society of Educators in Physiotherapy. Judy was the recipient of many national honors and awards, including the APTA Joan Mills Award for Exceptional Contributions to Geriatrics, and the Volunteers in Action Award for Exceptional Contributions to the Needs of the Community. In 2006, she was among those honored with the U. S. Presidents Volunteers in Action award. Shortly before her death, she was very pleased to learn that she was to receive the Karas Award from BHHC for exceptional service in promoting health care in the Red Lodge area.In 1995, Judy was recruited by Health Volunteers Overseas, a non-profit NGO dedicated to improving health through education in developing countries. From 1995 to the present, she spent a total of two years on various assignments in Vietnam, Suriname, Bhutan, Haiti, and Tanzania designing and implementing curricula for new PT schools, as well as lecturing and conducting research at Beijing Hospital, China, and assessing health care in rural Siberia. She was always accompanied by her husband, Paul, on these assignments. Through these experiences, she became recognized internationally as an expert in health care for underserved populations, which in turn, made her a much sought-after speaker at international conferences on health care in developing countries.Judy is survived by her husband, Paul Henry of Luther, MT; step-son Bruce Henry of Seattle, WA; step-son Eric Henry of Anchorage Alaska; step-son Michael Canfield of Kent WA; step-son Neil Canfield, and step-daughter Linda Mennke, both of Olympia, WA.Health Volunteers Overseas has established a memorial in honor of Judys contributions to that organization. Donations in her memory can be sent to: Health Volunteers Overseas, 1900 L St, NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036. A note in the memo field of the check “Judy Canfield Memorial” will assure it is properly directed.Judy was passionate about the Beartooth Hospital in Red Lodge and was an active member of the hospital foundation. During her illness, she was very touched by the support and encouragement from the hospital administration and her co-workers in Rehabilitation Services. Donations in her honor can be sent to: Beartooth Hospital and Health Center Foundation, P.O. Box 1290, Red Lodge, MT 59068.Judys family wishes to thank her many friends, neighbors, co-workers, and professional colleagues for their thoughtfulness and comfort. The doctors and staff of the Billings Clinic in both Red Lodge and Billings deserve special mention for their kindness and professionalism.A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at 11:00 am on April 24, 2010, at St Agnes Catholic Church, 1 Word Ave. North, Red Lodge, MT.