Judith (Judy) Samuels Palkovics

“Judy” peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on November 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William (Bill) Palkovics, and her parents, Melvin Judson Samuels and Ruth Ferree Samuels. She’s survived by five children, Robert William Palkovics (Michaelle), Suzanne Palkovics Paulisch, Michael Edward Palkovics (Stacy), Nancy Palkovics Wallace (Mike) and Pamla Palkovics Dietz (Karl), eleven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, her sister, Joyce Johnson, two nephews, Christopher Johnson (Joy) and Josh Johnson (Jennifer).

Judy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, born on April 30, 1939, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Judy spent her earliest years there before moving with her family to Burlington at age five. Judy grew up in a home shaped by strong values, community, and family traditions—roots that continued to guide her for the rest of her days. She graduated from Walter M. Williams High School in 1957 and went on to East Carolina for her first year of college before transferring to Elon to complete her four-year business degree. A bright and hardworking student, Judy was a member of the National Honor Society and served as May Queen in 1961.

While attending Elon, Judy met the love of her life, “Bill” Palkovics. They were married on December 22, 1962, in Burlington, beginning a beautiful life together built on faith, family, and unwavering devotion. The family takes comfort in knowing they are now joyfully reunited.

Judy considered her children her proudest accomplishment. She often said her greatest joy was watching her children grow into strong, caring, capable adults. She was endlessly proud that all five graduated from college and built lives grounded in kindness, hard work, and compassion.

A woman of deep faith, Judy was a devoted member of Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church for nearly 60 years, participating in Circle, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and sharing her gifts generously with her church family. She also found joy and lifelong friendships in the Tuckahoe Garden Club, where she first met several dear friends for life.

Judy was talented with her hands and her heart. She loved to sew, arrange flowers, was a member of several bridge clubs, and a neighborhood book club. Judy played golf and tennis at Hermitage Country Club, where she was a Life Member and loved to cheer on her children and grandchildren at countless sporting and school events.

She found joy in the company of others and cherished any opportunity to gather with her family—holidays, celebrations, or simply being together. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Affinity Hospice and their nurses for their exceptional love, compassion, and kindness during their time with Judy.

The family invites friends and loved ones to a service of worship and celebration of Judy’s life at Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church on Monday, December 15. Visitation will begin at noon followed by a service at 12:45 with a graveside service at 2pm, Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23238. We invite friends and family to a reception after the burial.

Her life was a blessing, her love a gift, and her memory a treasure. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.