She pursued her dream of helping others and became a nurse. Judy graduated from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with her Bachelor’s degree in nursing, and later graduated University of California –Dominguez Hills with her Master’s degree. In 1980, she moved to Florida and worked at Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg. In 1988, she moved to southern California and worked as a home care nurse in Orange County. During her career as a nurse, Judy impacted many lives. She cared for others in their time of need, and trained fellow nurses to care for their patients. She worked for various medical supply companies as a technical advisor to the sales reps and also participated in many seminars to train fellow nurses in caring for their patients. She felt truly passionate about her work as a Wound Care Specialist, and found great joy in traveling to national and international conferences meeting with her nurse friends from around the country.
Judy had many passions in life: traveling, skydiving, trivia, pickle ball, working out at the YMCA Bardmoor, nurturing her close friendships, and spending time with her family. She also served the Seminole/ Largo Chapter of John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Guild. Judy and her husband, Bob, are members of Calvary Episcopal Church on Indian Rocks Beach.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Papen; her brother, Chris Papen; and nephew, Michael Papen. Judy will be missed by her dedicated husband, Bob Cannistraro; sister in law, Nancy Papen (John Dulhagen); step son, Scott Cannistraro (Felicia); step daughter, Amy King (Jerry); grandchildren, Kendra and Enzo; nephew, Steve Papen (Holly); great niece, Hailee; great nephew, Jacob; and many other loving friends.
Visitation will be Friday 10/5 at Serenity Funeral Home from 6-8pm. Funeral Mass will be Saturday 10/6 at Calvary Episcopal Church at Indian Rocks Beach, 1615 1st St, Indian Rocks Beach, FL, 33785, at 9:30am with entombment to follow at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo, FL, 33774.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donation be made to Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL or Suncoast Hospice – Empath Health.
