Judith Ann Matulis (nee Newton), 61, formerly of Lititz, died Tuesday June 15, 2010 in Greensboro, North Carolina after a long battle with Chordoma and ALS.

Judie was the owner of two of Lititz's most popular retail shops. In 1980, she opened The Handworks, a shop that specialized in folk art and specialty crafts, was a trend-setting pioneer in promoting folk art and country design locally. As it grew from its original location in Zum Anker Alley to take over the building at 22 E. Main Street, she opened a second store, Judie, which became a destination boutique for customers seeking fine women's fashions and one-of-a-kind home décor and gifts. In 1994, both shops merged into the location at 30 E. Main St, which closed on March 31 of this year because of Matulis's declining health.

Fixtures of the Lititz retail community, both shops developed a following of dedicated customers and friends from around the country. Both shops – along with the Heart of the Country Craft Show that Matulis began 1983 – did their part to put Lititz on the map as a folk art and crafts hub and specialty shopping destination. Judie's and The Handworks brought together more than 40 women whose lives, work, and talents crossed paths as they contributed to the success and reputation of the shops during their 30-year run on Main Street.

Judie was a member of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Lancaster with Pastor Dwight Addington, the congregation, and other friends were a great source of strength and spiritual comfort for her as she first fought cancer, and then ALS.   She loved shopping, decorating, enjoying time with family and friends over good meals and good laughs, and, as she put it, "making women fabulous" with the vibrant and bold fashions she carried.

Matulis was born August 26, 1948 in Jacksonville, Florida the daughter of the late Elton and Marjorie Newton. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville in 1966 and attended Madison Community College in North Florida.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dr. Robert Matulis, a retired Professor of Math at Millersville University; by two daughters: Julie Matulis Fitzpatrick of Greensboro, NC and Amy Matulis Reed of Wilson, NC; two sons-in-law, Brendan Fitzpatrick and Michael Reed; two grandsons, Conor and Cameron Fitzpatrick; granddaughter Lily Reed; sister Nancy Harvey, wife of Bob Harvey of Jamestown, NC; and brother Danny Newton of Jacksonville, FL.  sister-in-law Janice Matulis of Milwaukee, WI.

A Memorial Service in Celebration of her life will be held at the Lititz United Methodist Church 201 Market St. Lititz, PA 17543 with the Rev. Dwight L. Addington officiating on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 10am. Friends may pay their respects to the family at the church from 9-10am.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in Judie's memory to the ALS Association 27001 Agoura Rd. Suite 250 Calabasas Hills, CA  91301, plant another flower in your garden, and love your mother with all your heart. We'll miss you.

Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Chapel is assisting with local arrangements. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.