JUDITH RANTALA Obituary

JUDITH JUDY AUSTIN RANTALA Judy Rantala died on March 29, 2024 at the age of 101. Born in Wellesley, MA, to Alice V. Coffin Austin and Herbert S. Austin, she was a graduate of University of New Hampshire and Yale. She worked for World University Service, YWCA including directing University of Hawaii YWCA, and directed Friends of the East West Center. Judy married John Rantala who preceded her in death. His work with USAID sent them to Laos, the subject of Judy's book, Laos: A Personal Portrait from the Mid-1970s. At UNH, Judy advocated for students of Japanese Ancestry to be accepted from internment camps. A scholarship at UNH in her honor is funded by those students. She remained an advocate for social justice and peace, a member of Church of the Crossroads for 60 years. Judy is survived by son, Gary Macelhiney, nieces Lisa Austin Smith, Patt Austin Franks, Susan Austin Kraeger, nephew Peter Austin, grandson Nathan Rantala and their families. Celebration of Life: June 1, Visitation 10:00 AM; Service 10:30, Church of the Crossroads; 1212 University Ave. Memorial donations to Church of the Crossroads.