Obituary for Anda M. Tudor

Anda M. Tudor, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 11, 2025. Born on December 27, 1939, in the beautiful city of Riga, Latvia, Anda’s childhood was both colorful and challenging.

At the age of four, her family was forced to flee their beloved Latvia when the Soviets invaded in order to protect her father, a judge, from capture and potential execution. Separated from their father for a time, her mother took three small children across Europe as refugees, enduring time in displaced persons camps in Germany and Poland before reuniting with their father and emigrating to the United States under the sponsorship of a local church in Owasso, Michigan.

In America, Anda had to learn English on the fly and help care for her two younger sisters. She eventually graduated from Owasso High School, and the family relocated to Columbus, Ohio.

For Anda, education was a lifelong passion. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Elementary Education and Teaching from The Ohio State University in 1961, a Master of Library and Information Science from Case Western Reserve University in 1964, and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from the University of Dayton in 2005. She devoted much of her professional life to the Hardin Northern Local School district serving in several capacities – as a media specialist, teacher, track and field coach, quiz bowl coach, and ski club advisor.

On August 26, 1961, Anda married John M. Tudor who she met while they both attended The Ohio State University. The two went on to celebrate over 60 years of marriage together. John preceded her in death on March 18, 2025.

She is survived by her children, Mara Tudor Ward of Dublin and Andrew Roland Tudor (Jodi) of Kenton; and seven beloved grandchildren: Morgan Tudor, Matthew Ward, Caitlin Tudor, Alexander Ward, Justin Ward, Evan Tudor, and Alison Ward. She is also survived by her sister Aija Zommers, brother-in-law Juris Zommers, nieces Zinta Zommers (Malte), Andra Zommers, nephew Paulus Zommers, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rolands and Valida Vilums, her sister Baiba Zommers, and her brother-in-law Uldis Zommers.

Those who knew her well know of Anda’s intellect, humor, generous spirit, and boundless energy. She was proud to be able to outrun most people decades younger than her. She was a tireless volunteer at the Kenton Elks Lodge, and worked at Tudor Law, LLC nearly every day. She was a proud City Council Member and valued being able to serve her community. Her work ethic and resilience were unmatched, and she instilled in her children a strong sense of self-reliance and grit.

Creativity was a constant in Anda’s life. She had a deep appreciation for the arts and saw the world through the eyes of an artist. A talented seamstress, knitter, scrapbooker, ceramicist, home decorator, and gardener, her greatest passion was painting and drawing. She was often inspired by the beauty around her, remarking, “I need to paint that.” Teaching and taking art classes brought her joy, as did sharing her love of creativity with others, especially her family.

Anda was an avid reader, loved musicals, music, traveling, sailing, and skiing. Returning to Latvia later in life was especially meaningful, allowing her to reconnect with her roots. Many happy memories were made at the Indian Lake Yacht Club and the Mad River Valley Ski Club. Of all her roles, however, being a mother and grandmother brought her the greatest pride. She treasured every milestone and accomplishment of her family and was truly their greatest cheerleader.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 301 W Columbus Street, Kenton, Ohio, with the Rev. Tomas Pistoria officiating. Friends may call from 12:00-2:00 pm, with the service beginning at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow at the Kenton Elks Lodge #157, 157 E. Franklin Street,

Kenton, Ohio. A private family burial will be held at a later date. The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is helping with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Presbyterian Church for the Steeple Light Fund.

Anda’s life was a testament to courage, perseverance, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, creativity, and devotion to family that will continue to inspire all who knew her.