The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Judith Anne Babka Furlong, MD Inducted 2011 - Class of 1973
Judy was raised on Booth Street near Stickney Avenue, close to Stanley's Market. The well-kept houses and trimmed lawns led to grade school at St. Vincent DePaul and, following in the footsteps of her parents and future in-laws, she entered Woodward High School.
Judy attributes the very high standards of Woodward High School for her achievements. She credits Mrs. Perruchon's discipline and attention to detail for helping instill the elements that have made her successful. Ms. Elaine Markopoulos' insistence that the "first draft wasn't the final draft" helped develop her writing and presentation skills. Finally without question, Judy insists that "Gus," an honorary faculty member of Woodward, be given the credit for drawing everyone together at the athletic events.
Judy became interested in Karate her freshman year at WHS. After becoming proficient, she organized and taught classes at the North Toledo Community Center to help others feel the
confidence and comfort she gained from the martial arts.
Graduating third in Woodward's Class of 1973, Judy’s memories of her high school days include her friends Kathy Hobbs, Annette Kwiatkowski, Theresa Madej, Debbie Rink, MaryJo Seeman, and Ann Skiba. She also enjoyed her role on the Tattler staff and recalls the many friends she worked with on the publication. Judy was proud to be a member of the 1972 City Championship Girls' Track Team when she was junior.
Dr. Furlong graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from The University of Toledo and received her MD from the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo in 1984. Her internship and residency were completed at Sylvania's Flower Hospital. Dr. Furlong established a successful West Toledo family practice, then returned to Flower Hospital where she is currently a practicing physician with Flower Family Physicians. She also serves as an associate director and faculty member of the Family Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. Furlong feels very strongly about being active in one’s community. She has taught the Children's Liturgy at Swanton's St. Richard's Church for many years. She finds time to serve as leader for Girl Scout Troop 10873, where several of the girls achieved their Silver Award. She also organized and has been a Support Group Leader for the National Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation for many years, along with an active participation in the Lucas County Colorectal Cancer Coalition. "When I look back over the years, I am somewhat amazed by the twists and turns my life has taken," she reflects.
Judy married William Furlong in 1978. Their son, Bill II, is a junior at Ohio University and their daughter, Dana, is in the eighth grade at Westside Montessori School. Judy and William, bred, trained, and showed champion Akita show dogs throughout the country for over 20 years. Currently, she is training their Golden Retriever to compete. Dr. Furlong also likes to travel, scrapbook, read, spend time with nature, listen to music, play with the Wii, and watch her son play soccer and daughter play basketball.