Judith Bannister Peoples, of Ewing, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 13 at her home. A former NJSBA staff member, she was 78.

Born in Trenton, she graduated from Hamilton High School West and Trenton State Teachers College (TCNJ), and began her career as a business teacher at Bordentown Regional High School.  She took a break to raise her five children. During that time, she served as PTA president and was awarded lifetime membership in NJPTA. Upon returning to work she served as coordinator of public information for Hamilton schools, and then as a research associate for the N.J. State Senate.

She worked in the governmental relations department at the New Jersey School Boards Association, including a period as acting director of governmental relations in 1999.

She also worked as a lobbyist for the N.J. Joint Council County Special Services School Districts. She was the founding chair of the Ewing Twp. Redevelopment Agency, serving as its commissioner; chair of the Ewing Twp. Economic Development Advisory Commission; and she repeatedly held the title of president of the Ewing Twp. Historic Preservation Society.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, James C. Peoples; her children, James E. Peoples and his wife, Lynnette; David L. Peoples; Elizabeth P. Czelusniak and her husband, Steven; John Alexander Peoples and his wife, Kristi; and Rebecca P. Lynn and her husband, Steven; grandchildren, M. Benjamin, Ashley, William, Nathan, and Charles Peoples; Aaron, Sean and Sydney Lynn; and Olivia and Emily Czelusniak. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Cincilla and family; cousin Barry and Larissa Thompson; her in-laws, Agnes Peoples; Louis and Janice Peoples; Delores and Larry Vannozzi; Donald and Mary Peoples; and many nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in Judith’s name to either the Ewing Twp. Historic Preservation Society, 27 Federal City Rd., Ewing, NJ 08638 or the Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy., Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852, www.fisherhouse.org.