Judith Frances Orzechowski

On a bright summer day in 1939, a star was born. Judith Frances Orzechowski, the daughter of Joseph James Scata and Virginia Mary Scata of Hartford, graced this world with her presence, bringing with her a light so bright it would warm the hearts of everyone she touched. On May 13, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family, that light gently faded as she passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy woven with the golden threads of integrity, morality, and unconditional love.

Judith’s journey began in Hartford and continued through the vibrant neighborhoods of Miami, the soulful corners of New Orleans, and the sunny expanses of South Florida. Educated at Loyola University in New Orleans, she cultivated a profound moral compass that guided her through various chapters of her life. Here, she received a degree in Journalism, and also deepened her religious education, embedding her lifelong devotion to Catholicism both in spirit and in practice.

Raised in an Italian restaurant family, Judith’s life was richly flavored by the traditions and community of her heritage. This unique upbringing gave her an innate ability to connect with people, a skill that she cherished and utilized throughout her life. It also provided her with a deep appreciation for storytelling and celebration, traits that shone brightly in her career as a published author of children’s books. Her stories, much like her life, were full of warmth, wisdom, and whimsical adventure, making her a treasured voice to readers and a beloved figure in her community.

Judith’s creativity knew no bounds. As an artist, she crafted exquisite, hand-painted dolls that were cherished by collectors across the nation. Her musical talents were polished, enchanting all who had the pleasure of hearing her play. These artistic pursuits were not just hobbies, but expressions of her vibrant spirit and boundless imagination.

Her home was her kingdom, where she reigned as the beloved matriarch, not just to her own family but to a host of cousins and friends who frequently sought her sage advice. Judith was the heart and soul of her family, the quintessential best friend and mother, whose love knew no bounds and whose support was as steadfast as the stars in the sky.

She raised her three children; Judith Ann Dender, married to Mark; Colleen Bradford, married to Doyle; and Michelle Kirk with an endless well of love and devotion. She delighted in the joys of her grandchildren; Maxwell Dender, Lauren Dender, Zachary Dender, Thomas Bradford, Allen Bradford, Jesse Kirk, Bailey Kirk, and James Kirk and great-grandchildren; Benjamin Bradford and Faith Bradford. Her nurturing spirit also extended to her niece and nephews; Joseph Blaise Scata, Jr., Bethany Noel Scata, Paul Orzechowski and Andrew Orzechowski as well as many cousins; Linda Muratori, Kenneth Nigro, Karen Mazrek, Stephen Daniels, Joan Estra, Lillian Greenwood, Joseph Zebzda and Catherine Palmieri and was deeply felt by her sister-in-law, Shirley Scata, her brother-in-law, Tony Orzechowski and sister-in-law, Rose Orzechowski. Her late brother, Joseph Blaise Scata and her late husband, Stanislaw Orzechowski, always remained cherished memories in the tapestry of her vibrant life.

A true treasure to our family and community, Judith embodied the pillars of character kindness, respect, responsibility and fairness in every action she took. Her ethical principles and compassionate nature made her a beacon of light and a model of virtue. Though we mourn her loss, we rejoice in the knowledge that Judith now sits at the right hand of God, her life a brilliant narrative of love, courage, and integrity. The world is indeed a lesser place without her, but the heavens are all the brighter. Judith Orzechowski, our guiding star, may have left our sight, but she will never leave our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judith’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.