Judy Sillen

Natalie Judith Sillen – known to everyone simply as “Judy” passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 82. A loving mother, actively-involved grandmother, devoted wife, and steadfast friend, Judy was the heart of her family and a powerful force in every community she touched.

Judy and her beloved husband David shared a lifelong love story that began when they started dating in the 8th grade. They had a rare and enduring bond that shaped seven decades of joy, partnership, and devotion.

Born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Judy was a proud graduate of James Madison High School, class of 1960, and afterwards, Brooklyn College, class of 1964. Her children grew up hearing stories about various luminary classmates: Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Chuck Schumer; Judge Judy, Arthur Ashkin & Bernie Sanders. She embraced the fact that she got a top-notch education from Brooklyn’s public schools.

After college, Judy began her career as a teacher throughout her early 20’s in the New York City public school system, later bringing her warmth and levity to classrooms as a substitute teacher in New Jersey.

Judy believed in the strength of community, education and the importance of civic involvement. She was passionate about all democratic and social causes. When her children were young, she served as president of the PTA, often bringing people together with her wisdom, humor, and grace. She loved being involved with AFS (American Field Service), opening her home to international exchange students. She advocated for cultural exchanges in her kids’ schools and became a cherished second mother and grandmother to everyone who came through her home.

Judy’s pull to community led her to volunteer with various organizations. Together she and David worked with young people who had Down’s Syndrome, Judy helping with art activities, and David coaching sports. Their connection to working with kids with developmental disabilities was personal. In between Peter and Kim’s births, Judy and David had a baby, Heather, who would have been one of those children, had she lived longer than two months.

A gifted storyteller who never wove a straight path between two points, Judy had a deep love of history. She wrote a regular column called “Rumson Reflections” for the Red Bank Register, which helped to preserve local history in Monmouth County’s Two River area in the 1980s.

Judy had an eye for beauty in all its forms. She loved spending time in Vermont, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, finding charm in old homes and antiques everywhere she went. She lovingly renovated a historic gardener’s cottage in Rumson, which became the backdrop for a life filled with laughter, books, family dinners, and the joyful chaos of raising children and dogs.

With her entrepreneurial spirit, Judy founded Allencrest Locations – a location service for print and film production. She grew this business for over forty years, helping to spotlight the character and charm of New York and New Jersey’s unique homes and landscapes. Her work brought her great pleasure and she was very proud to have her grandchildren continue the business after her.

Judy and David raised a family centered on love and creativity. Judy is survived by her children Kim Sillen and Peter (Beth) Sillen and three beautiful grandchildren – Jen and Henry Sillen and Thomas Gledhill – each of whom carry her warmth into the world.

Judy Sillen’s legacy is one of deep convictions, unwavering compassion, and a focus on community and family. Her ability to inadvertently mix metaphors was legendary, and her generosity of spirit was endless. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the gift of knowing her.

Following the graveside service on Tuesday, June 3,the family will be sitting shiva at the home of David Sillen in Shadowlake Village, 1 Loch Arbor Way, Red Bank, NJ 07701 on Tuesday 6/3 immediately following the service until 8 PM, Wednesday 6/4 12-6 PM, and Thursday 6/5 12-6PM. Friends and loved ones are welcome to visit and offer their condolences during these times.

Donations may be made in Judy’s name to:

Monmouth County Parks System: “Please click “Get Tickets" under Donation to donate in Judy’s memory.”

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/memorial-donations-for-judy-sillen-tickets-1397128522019?aff=oddtdtcreator

ACLU: https://action.aclu.org/give/make-gift-aclu-honor-someone-special

Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer: https://www.infiniteloveforkidsfightingcancer.org/donate-now.html

A graveside service for Natalie will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Fair View Cemetery, State Highway 35 and, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date, more information to follow.