Lydia, Jennie, and everyone else in Judy's life--I'm so sad to learn of Judy's passing.  During the 25 years that I was connected to CSP before leaving NJ in 2011, Judy was a steady and inspiring presence, and always a source of knowledge, wisdom, and humor.  Her spirit and her deep understanding of how to make a good and meaningful life despite adversity made her a role model for so many.  I know that she will be missed terribly, but the grace that she carried and love which she had for you all will never be forgotten.
Much love,
Andy Bernstein
Tucson, AZ

When I was working as a mental health service provider in the late 1970s in northern New Jersey, I became involved in a statewide community organizing effort and met Judy Banes, a "peer." Encountering one other person who was not only recovering from mental illness but was also working to effect social change made a big difference in my ability to see that I could not only struggle toward my own recovery but I could do this in a way that would help others and thereby help myself. I found this therapeutic. 
Judy and I organized a demonstration to call attention to some problems at a large psychiatric hospital in the area. Everyone on the picket line was either a current or former patient of that particular institution. All we did was walk in a circle and chant slogans about improving the conditions. It seemed a fairly insignificant effort at the time. 
Then, several years later, during a presentation I made on organizing the movement for social change, someone said he had been on that picket line and that it had transformed his life. Before that, he had been cycling in and out of the hospital. Afterwards, he became active in the movement, and is now operating a consumer-run service in New Jersey. 
He’s not alone: I’ve heard dozens of stories like this from people who credit the experience of walking in a line to protest injustice with helping them realize they could start in a new direction and not continue in their role as "mental patient.”

To celebrate Judy's life and carry on her legacy, donations can be made directly to the Collaborate Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) via the link below:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/honoringthelegacyofjudybanes/

While flowers are appreciated, to celebrate her life and carry on her legacy, donations can be made directly to the Collaborate Support Programs of New Jersey via the link below:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/honoringthelegacyofjudybanes/

Trailblazer, advocate, wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, mentor, teacher, neighbor, animal/nature lover, church member. So many good memories of times shared with Judy at CSPNJ, at work and for years, annual tubing on the Delaware, so fun. Judy had an uncanny way of being everywhere at once, getting around to all the centers and events. And in the meanwhile, phoning caring check-ins when most needed, ending with a light-hearted thought or story. A gift to us all. Dear Jenny, the greatest joy of Judy’s life, sending you peace at this difficult time.

We five.  
Judy is in the back at the right.

Judy was the first person I loved besides our mom and dad.  She was my first best friend and confidant.

I will miss Judy Banes very much she was a wonderful  person  and friend to me and will always remember  all the good times we had together  and all the people  she helped.And may my dear friend  Rip.   Carol  De Troy

Judy was such a kind soul and always made me laugh. Her planning of the community lunches at Christ Church were a testament to her commitment to those battling homelessness or mental illness. Hugs to Lydia.

Judy did very important work here in BC about mental health. She will be missed.     R.I.P my dear friend

Judy was a bright light in the darkness, helping everyone she touched.  She is missed.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Judith Sue Banes

17 juillet 1944 – 16 mars 2026

Becker Funeral Home

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