Josephine “Jody” Calendar, 74, passed away peacefully July 14, 2024, in Holmdel. In the previous weeks, she had the chance to say goodbye to her beloved family members, many devoted friends and past co-workers in journalism and education.
Jody was born in New York City and lived in Ardsley, New York, and McClean, Virginia, before settling in Monmouth County and graduating from Red Bank Catholic High School. She graduated with honors from Brookdale Community College and Rutgers College, where she was part of the first class of women.
In her life and career she touched countless people with her compassion, talent, enthusiasm and love for children and animals. She took great pride in being a world traveler who visited 53 countries and all 50 states. She was a tireless supporter of a free press, lecturing in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo and Prague for the U.S. State Department.
Jody worked her way up the ranks of The Asbury Park Press from cub reporter to associate editor running the newsroom and was the first female chair of the editorial board. She served as executive editor of The Two River Times from 2014-15.
Jody was especially known for environmental and investigative journalism, fields in which she won many awards. She was a major seminar leader at The American Press Institute and The Poynter Institute and was on the board of The Associated Press. She was known for her ability to mentor young reporters and college students in her classes at Rutgers and Brookdale.
Jody was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a loyal friend and a loving pet owner who will be fondly remembered by family and friends for creating voices for her many dogs, cats and horses. She was passionate, eccentric and would proudly tell you she was a “tough old broad.” Known as “Mema” to her grandchildren, she enjoyed every minute of watching them grow. Jody loved to spend time at her home in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, entertaining family and friends while enjoying the gorgeous mountain view.
Jody was predeceased by her son Bart and is survived by her husband Carl, son Shane, daughter-in-law Kate, granddaughter Devin and grandson Luke.
Services will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, July 21, at the John E. Day Funeral Home. A party to celebrate Jody’s life will be held immediately after the service at Buona Sera in Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jody Calendar’s name to the Brookdale Community College Foundation for student support in study abroad.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the July 18 – 24, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
