Judith “Judy” May Nece

Born on May 21, 1933 in Erie, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Julius Brainard Berdine and Bessie Kathryn Berdine and spent her formative years in Lawrence Park.

Judy shared a loving and devoted partnership with her husband, James Myron Nece, and embraced her role as a Navy spouse with great pride and dedication throughout his service in the United States Navy. Together, they built a life shaped by his military career, moving and adapting as needed while creating a strong and loving home wherever they were stationed. After James’ retirement from the Navy, they lived briefly in New Orleans, Louisiana, before returning to their roots in Erie, Pennsylvania, where Judy built a meaningful career in the aerospace parts division at the Lord Corporation.

Over the course of her early adulthood and years as a Navy spouse, Judy formed deep and lasting friendships with Hal and Ginger Brady and Bill and Ursula Crawford, relationships that brought her great joy and companionship throughout her life.

Judy was the family’s go-to in times of joy, strife, and sadness, offering no-nonsense, unfiltered advice and serving as a steady source of wisdom and comfort. She was a voracious reader, often finishing a novel a day, and found great joy in cooking for her family, a true expression of her love and care. She was also known for her outspoken sass and strong opinions, which she never hesitated to share.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Myron Nece; her parents, Julius and Bessie Berdine; her brother, Andy Berdine (Virginia); and her cherished dogs, Molly and Lilly. She is survived by her children, Sharee Nece Hairston and Kelly Nece Pippin (Kevin); her brother, Thomas Berdine (Rosemary); her seven grandchildren, Lacy (Paul), Michael (Diana), Lyndsee, Ryan (Danielle), Adam, Amanda, and Katie; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Judy will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew her for her resilient strength and strong-willed nature, and for her lifelong habit of making sure everyone she loved knew just how deeply they were cherished.

A visitation will be held in Judy’s honor at Dusckas Funeral Home, 2607 Buffalo Road, Erie, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m., where family and friends are invited to share memories. A private graveside service at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery will take place afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Judy’s memory, a cause she faithfully supported throughout her life. To donate: https://www.stjude.org/donate