Judith Ann Marie Leyda Howell

Judith Ann Marie Leyda Howell, a loving and compassionate soul, passed away from Parkinson’s Disease at 71 in her home in Ludlowville, NY on June 23, 2025. Born on October 12, 1953, in Woodlawn, NY, Judy grew up in nearby East Eden in a big country house with an indoor swimming pool where her shyness as the youngest girl of four sisters shaped her early years. Her life changed when her little brother, Fred, was born and their deep friendship lasted throughout her lifetime. She met her husband Don who became her strength and helped her find her voice. Together they built a family with their sons, Ben and his wife Kerri, Jeff and his fiancée Amy, as well as their granddaughter Bailey and great-granddaughter Ellie. Judy's warm heart, intelligence and honesty touched everyone from her career as a beloved dental hygienist to the annual gathering of neighborhood kids for Christmas Carols or Halloween crafts when the boys were young. She cherished her Catholic community at St. Catherine of Siena. Judy loved her gardens, ‘adventures’, cooking, concerts in the park, summers on Bob’s Lake in Canada and biannual trips to her brother’s home in St. Helena Island, SC. Always guided by her deep faith and love for her family, she and Don found much joy in helping their granddaughter through college, leaving a legacy of caring for others. Judy will be remembered for her uncanny ability to connect with loved ones regardless of distance. She is preceded into Heaven by her parents, Fred and Jean Leyda and leaves behind her beloved husband Don, her son Ben (Kerri) granddaughter Bailey and great-granddaughter, Ellie; her son, Jeff (Amy); and four siblings, Sally Anne Leyda, Mary Louise Leyda (Tom) Moses, Susan Marie Leyda (Roger) Duffett and Fred Emerson Leyda, III, as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.

Judy’s family would like to extend sincere thanks to Hospicare and her nurses, especially Shelby, Erica, Sarah and Peggy.

In keeping with Judy’s wishes, services will be private. She will be laid to rest in Ludlowville Pine Grove Cemetery in Lansing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Judy’s name to Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.