Judith Ann Besemer

Judith Ann Besemer, 70, of Slaterville Springs, NY, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on April 12, 2024, at Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY.  Born in Ithaca, NY, on August 1, 1953, she was one of five children born to the late Cary and Barbara (Vredenburg) Besemer.  

Judith, known to most as Judy or Jude, was one of the most generous, loving, and caring people to have ever walked this earth.  She touched many lives deeply and profoundly, and she graced and honored all who have been fortunate to share life with her, making our world more beautiful and joyful than it would have been otherwise.  Judy was young at heart, a free-spirit, playful, mischievous, silly, funny, and forever a big kid.  Judy had the brightest smile, was a moon and sun chaser, a Sunday driver all days of the week, a dancer, and lover of music.  “Aunt Jude had so much love for every one of us, but she also had enough love for every living thing...the earth, the trees, the flowers, and every single animal.”  She was courageous, strong, kind, vibrant, and a forever dreamer.

Jude had a passion for music and especially loved local musicians and events like Grassroots.  She was also an artist herself, drawing and making creations with found objects—especially from stones and driftwood found at the lake.  She made her home and land into a museum of creativity that proudly displayed the stones, crystals, photographs, artwork, and mementos that held meaning and represented her life.

In her younger years, Judy was a volunteer with the Slaterville Springs Fire and Ambulance—something she truly enjoyed doing.  Her younger years also took her to the beautiful Arizona desert, a place where she felt an instant and forever connection.  Jude never missed a family function, although likely to be a little late. “No matter how big Aunt Jude’s problems were, she always put other people’s problems first. She always had a hug, a shoulder, sweet words, and time for whoever needed it.”  Judy will be immensely missed by her family and her forever friends!

Judy is survived by her four siblings, Virginia Starr (Harvey), Terri Besemer, Donna Derr (Doug), and Cary Besemer (Julie); nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and one great-great niece—all of whom she considered her babies; and her fur babies, dog Buddy and kitties Gump and Ruby.  In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her niece, Julee Starr Dean; her most recent horse, Starlite, who was the love of her life; and countless fur babies.

A birthday celebration honoring Judy will be held in August 2024.  Details will be announced on the Facebook page of Judy Besemer.