After many years of health issues and most recently her heart failing, on June 29, 2021 at the age of 75, Judy passed away peacefully at the Leo Center for Caring Hospice unit at St Ann’s Community in Irondequoit NY.
She was born on July 10, 1945 in Rochester, NY and is predeceased by her parents Edward Joseph Minardo and Arletta Dillon Minardo; her fur babies Smoky, Dorothy, Sammi, Tobi & Ollie.
She is survived by her siblings Mary Lou (Walt) Sadler, James (Suzanne) Minardo, Edward (Kathleen) Minardo; Nieces and Nephews Nicole (Jose) De Los Santos, Corey Minardo (Theresa Zollo) Amy (Andy) Merkel, Luke Minardo (Danielle Viavattene) Great nieces & nephews; John Lyons (Bailey Hernandez Lyons), Brooklyn De Los Santos & Emiliana De Los Santos; Fur baby Charly; Good friend Lucille LoRay, many beloved cousins and Friends near and far.
Judy was a graduate of Nazareth Academy High School and SUNY Brockport where she majored in education and Spanish. She moved to California in 1968 and took a job with the Los Angelis County as a social worker for many years. When she moved back to Rochester to be closer to family she continued in her career helping the children of Monroe County’s foster care system until her retirement in 2007. Her passion and love for the kids she worked with was a true testament to her selfless and caring ways even in retirement she still found ways to help children. She joined a knitting and crochet group in Webster where she would make hats for the little ones in local hospitals. For many years she volunteered for a local Hot Air Balloon club setting up, chasing and pack up at the end of a flight.
She absolutely adored and cherished her fur babies. They were so lucky to have her love them the way she did. She was strong in her faith. She loved reading, listening to music, the Lilacs at Highland Park. She loved connecting with lifelong friends that she met along the way in her life and spending time with her family for all various events and celebrations especially birthdays where your birthday wasn’t truly official until she sang happy birthday off key to you.
Her work was done here on earth, she lived a life that has touched so many people in different ways and shall remain as her legacy forever. She will truly be missed by all who have had the pleasure of getting to know, worked with, helped by and most importantly loved by her. May you rest high on that mountain our newest family angel up in heaven.
On Saturday July 17, 2021, there will be a Celebration of her life from 1pm-5pm & at 2pm remembrances of Judy will be shared. Refreshments and food to be served after and will be held at Highland Park in the Olmstead Lodge, 171 Reservoir Avenue, Rochester NY 14620.
There may be limited parking spaces at the back of the facility and would like to encourage carpooling or street parking on Reservoir Ave if available
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
What can I say about a loving caring sister who was my best friend. She always stood by me and protected me. We sew on different sides of the country, but I always knew she was there when I needed someone to talk to about anything. In her work Judy helped a lot of young people find their way in this crazy mixed up world. Judy I will miss you till we meet again. You are now our shining star in the heavens. Please continue to watch and guide us as you always did. 🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟💖💖💖💖
Judy was a shining star of friendship and laughter in our weekly crafting circle at the Webster Library, and her passing will leave a large hole in our hearts. Her smile always brightened the room, and her generous crafting of gifts for kids was a wonder to all of us. When the time came for her to use a walker on a regular basis, it was brightly painted and made us happy. Best of all, when the room became too noisy (as it frequently did), Judy’s walker sported a brightly-colored bicycle bell. It’s sound was pure joy, like Judy, and every time I hear one of those bells, I will think of her smile and laughter. Godspeed, dear friend! I’m so glad you are relieved of all earthly struggles and living in pure freedom. We love you–thanks for sharing your spirit with all of us! Love, Marcia & the “Sit & Stitch” gang
I had the pleasure of meeting Judy many years ago thru her good friend Lucille. I remember many years of a beautiful soul with the best smile. Many holidays of her cookies with she and Lu got together and baked dozens of delicious cookies. Her infectious smile will always be remembered as well as her kindness and devotion to her family and friends. God bless you Judy. Forever an Angel over seeing those you loved. Goodbye friend.
I have loved Judy for many years. Judy had a way of lifting up all the people fortunate to know her. She had a true gift of encouragement and giving. She always shared a smile. She touched the lives of many she didn’t k,ow personally thru her fiber skills. She was a great part of our Sit and Stitch group. Judy could get our attention with a whistle or the bell on her walker when she needed to use the walker. She will live o, in our hearts and mind. Her memory will be a blessing. Till we meet again
Meeting Aunt Judy many years ago through Nicole , Corey and Amy…taught me what being and having an Aunt was all about.. She was a fun Aunt. She was a very special person to all those that were privileged to know her. She will be missed!! Much love to all the Minardos and extended families..
Oh how I loved Judy and how badly I will miss her. She always asked to see the latest video of my Budgie Freddy and she would laugh. Judy had such a peaceful loving nature. I can only imagine all of youngsters she counseled loved her and will also be sad to learn of her passing. I am sad for myself Mary Lou and her siblings and everyone who ever knew Judy. She is a bright light that has been extinguished, I love you Judy, you will be forever in my heart.
Oh Judy how you will be missed. You introduced me to hot air balloons, friendship beyond belief, and how to laugh through tears. My condolences to your family, especially your sister. Until we meet again floating high over the hills of Wellsville in the most beautiful hot air balloon 💜
Amy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers being said for you all during this difficult time.
This saddens me 😢 my name is Bridjette Hunter. I left Rochester for good in 2000 to come home to my birth place Alabama. Judy was my worker she was so kind to me despite my troubles as a teenager. She was my peace 😢 I can still hear her saying you gotta let the past go and move forward stop being so angry it’s not your fault.. Now that I’m a mother of four and 38 oh how I wish I could tell her I was listening to her every word.. She came across my mind today so I decided to Google her. 😢With tears in my eyes I can honestly say this lady here I’ll never forget you will always own a special place in my heart.. May you continue to rest in peace 🙏🏽😇 This broke my heart I should’ve reached out years ago… 🙏🏽