DODD

JUDITH LOMAKIN

Judith Lomakin Dodd, 85, Nutrition Pioneer and Beloved Matriarch.

Judith Lomakin Dodd, a nationally recognized leader in nutrition and public health, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on May 14, 1940, in Lumberport, West Virginia, sharing a birthday with her father. Judy's life was defined by service, dedication, and love for family and community.

Raised in Ben Avon and later Shaler Township, PA, Judy grew up surrounded by music. Her parents, Vi and Nick Lomakin, owned Lomakin Music in Downtown Pittsburgh, and her father was a well-known Dixieland jazz musician. That artistic, driven spirit stayed with Judy throughout her life. She was the fiercely loyal big sister to Patty, and an equally passionate protector and mentor to her children and grandchildren.

Judy met the love of her life, Herbert "Herb" Dodd, at Shaler High School when they were just 15. She was an intellectual with a passion for books and music, he was a self-proclaimed jock. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2024, and were each other's favorite travel companion and dance partner.

Judy earned her degree from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1964 and began her career in nutrition during a time when few women pursued full-time work while raising a family. She helped launch the Allegheny County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in 1974, the first of its kind in the U.S., and earned a Master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982. Judy went on to teach at Pitt for over 30 years, inspiring countless students in the fields of health and dietetics.

In 1994, she became Giant Eagle's first Food and Nutrition Advisor, where she pioneered programs to educate the public about healthy eating long before digital resources were common. Her work included live demonstrations, recipe testing, allergy education, and forming a team of registered dietitians to support families across four states. Judy was often featured on the local television program Pittsburgh Today Live and was a trusted source frequently interviewed for TV news, radio and print publications in multiple markets.

Judy achieved national recognition as President of the American Dietetic Association (now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) and later as President of its Foundation. Her contributions earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the Academy's 2004 Medallion Award and 2008 Marjorie Hulsizer Copher Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2019 Jane Andrews Lifetime Achievement Award in Retail Dietetics by the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance. Judy's knowledge, experience and personable delivery style made her a sought after speaker locally, in the U.S. and abroad.

Despite her many accolades, Judy remained a humble and private person. A devoted Christian, she cherished time spent in worship and Bible study with her daughter, Wendy. Judy's truest joy came from her close-knit family; watching her children and grandchildren grow, thrive, and gather together for what her family lovingly called the "Dodd Family Circus" vacations that took them across the country and around the world.

She is survived by her husband, Herb; her sister, Patty Lomakin; her children, Wendy Maletta (Joseph) and Michael (Konstantina); and her grandchildren, Katie, Allison, Julia, and Mason. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, both personally and professionally.

Judy Dodd lived a life full of grace, service, and purpose. She will be remembered not only as a trailblazer in her field, but as a loving wife, mother, nana, mentor, and friend.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 1-4 and 6-8 pm, at SCHELLHAAS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1600 Stone Mansion Dr., Franklin Park, PA 15143. Service to be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 10 am, in Grace Community Church (Cranberry Twp.), please meet at church.

Please leave condolences at:

www.schellhaasfh.com