Judith Evelyn Palsgraf

August 17, 1943 - March 25, 2024

It is with great sadness that the Palsgraf family announce the passing of their mother, Judy Evelyn Pink Palsgraf. Judy was a kind soul who wanted to make the world a better place. She was born in Brooklyn and her family bought one of the first homes in Levittown, New York when her father came home from World War II. She then came to spend close to 70 years on Giant Lane as she moved across the street from her parents (Charles and Ethel Pink) and brother (Richard Pink). She bought a second home in Virginia Beach after the birth of her last grandchild. She moved back and forth from Levittown to Virginia Beach for years.

Judy studied to become a registered nurse and quickly found herself in the delivery room helping mothers deliver their babies. She married Charles Palsgraf (deceased) and together they had 3 children, Richard (Janis), Karen Heitner (Alan) and Amy Siviglia (former spouse, Michael). Her family grew with the births of her grandchildren, Joshua Palsgraf (Corinne), Hannah LaPlante (Reid), Matthew Heitner, Catherine Heitner and James Siviglia. Judy has one great grandchild, Emma Faye.

In 1975, Judy met a lovely woman, Rae Schopp, at their church luncheon. Rae was a part of Le Leche League. Judy worked at the hospital that happened to have a baby who needed breast milk in the NICU. Rae asked her if she would transport the milk to the hospital for this little baby. Rae and Judy became fast friends and she became very interested in breastfeeding and human milk. The baby who she delivered milk for created a need for a human milk bank. She applied for the job of nursing coordinator of The Human Milk Bank at North Shore University Hospital. As the nursing coordinator, she provided support to enable women to be successful in meeting their breastfeeding goals. Judy expanded the Human Milk Bank to include a Lactation Center. Judy became part of the team that traveled throughout the state of New York educating hospitals and clinics in breastfeeding and lactation. When there was a new certification for Lactation Consultants, Judy developed a five day educational program to help prepare applicants to pass the exam. She retired after working for over 30 years.

Judy was a selfless and remarkable woman who worked, raised a family, taught Lamaze and received her bachelor’s degree in Community Health and Health Counseling with honors. She was a prolific reader and sometimes would read a book a day. She loved quilting, writing, cooking and entertaining. She was a fantastic cook and shared that love with her family and friends.

Judy passed away suddenly on March 25, 2024 in Virginia Beach. She was 80 years old. Her family is heartbroken and thankful for the gifts they received from this remarkable woman. Every time we use one of her quilts we will feel her love and kindness.

A memorial service for Judith will be held Friday, July 12, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes, 125 Old Country Rd, Hicksville, New York 11801.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Judith's memory may be made to La Leche League, llli.org.