Judith Chew McFarland

Judith Chew McFarland, 71, passed away on June 10, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey. She was an unforgettable woman in life and her contagious spirit will forever live on in the many loved ones she leaves behind.

Judith Ann Chew was born in Greencastle, IN, to parents James and Ruth Chew, with sisters Marilyn Clearwaters and Barbara McGill (d. 2024). She spent her childhood, which she described as full of love and wonder, scheming with her cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends, and going on adventures with her sisters, mother, and granny. After graduating from Greencastle High School, Judy attended Hanover College in 1973 to study Political Science and play on the women's basketball team. While interning in New York City, Judy fell in love with both the city and its theater community. Judy completed a Bachelor of Arts at DePauw University in 1977, where she was involved in radio broadcasting, marching band, and theater production at the Putnam County Playhouse in Greencastle, IN.

After college, Judy returned to New York City to work as a production stage manager, on and off-Broadway. While working in the city, Judy met her husband, John McFarland, who had also graduated from Greencastle High School a few years earlier and had recently moved to New York City. A few years later, on August 10, 1985, they started their nearly 41-year marriage.

After welcoming daughters Margaret and Charlotte, Judy stepped away from her live theater career, and New York City, to focus on her other lifelong passion—her family. In Louisville, KY—where Judy and John welcomed their son, Elliott—and Tifton, GA, Judy continued to take every chance she could to invest in her communities and champion the arts. When she wasn't coaching basketball, swimming, and soccer for her children, Judy directed productions at local theaters and her church, taught and volunteered at local schools, and planned mission work with her family.

In 2006, after 15 years away, Judy and John returned to work in New York City and serve communities close to their hearts.

In the second act of her live theater career, Judy worked on dozens of award-winning shows across The Public Theater, Roundabout Theatre Company, Fringe Festival, and more. More important to Judy, though, were the personal connections she created in every space she operated. Judy was fully herself and accepted everyone else for exactly who they are. With a confident humility to tackle any challenge or meet the unspoken needs of others, Judy made all who were lucky enough to know her feel loved and appreciated. She shared with everyone she met stories about her children, grandchildren, and husband, who were her most cherished blessings in a vibrant life. She often joked that she had lived so many different lives and dreamed of living many more.

Judith is survived by her husband, John McFarland (Newark, NJ); daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Ryan Tinkoff (Atlanta, GA) ; daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Kit Durant (San Diego, CA); son and daughter-in-law, Elliott and Geimy McFarland (Caldwell, NJ); grandchildren, Charles Tinkoff, Peter Tinkoff and Samuel Durant; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Ron Clearwaters (Greencastle, IN).

Friends and family are welcome to join one of Judy's Celebration of Life gatherings in New York or Indiana. Judy-inspired attire is encouraged.

"A Judy Circle" Celebration of Life - New YorkDate/Time: Monday, June 15th, 2:00pm-4:00pmLocation: Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 W 43rd St New York, NY 10036)

Judy McFarland Celebration of Life - IndianaDate/Time: Sunday, June 28th, 2:00-5:00pmLocation: Putnam County Playhouse (715 S Co Rd 100 E Greencastle, IN 46135)

Judy's light continues in all who were lucky enough to know her. If you would like to contribute to her posthumous impact, donations may be made to the following organizations that are special to her and her family.

Help memorialize Judith McFarland by honoring her passion for making the arts accessible to everyone. Your support will help to engrave a plaque on a seat at the Delacorte Theater and support The Public Theatre, where Judy loved working for many years, especially with Shakespeare in the Park. Any donation amount is deeply appreciated! Donate: https://publictheater.org/judithmcfarland

Global Springs Ministry Inc. offers Christian love to women's prisons and nursing homes and accepts donations by mail: 933 N. Jefferson Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46201.