Obituary of Judith Elaine Ivens

Judith Elaine Ivens ended her life’s unique journey when she passed away on Saturday, February 10^th following a twenty-six-month fight with metastatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving husband and two daughters when she peacefully passed.

Judy was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the second child to Paul J. Husk and Agnes Haney Husk, both of whom predeceased her. Her sister, Patricia Simmons (Clarksburg), is a surviving family member.

Judy grew up in Clarksburg, graduated from Victory High School, and subsequently married her first husband, Donald Michael, who was her high school steady. Judy and Don brought two daughters into the world, Robin Dee (Hernandez) and Kim Patricia (Rifkin). They were together as a family for many years but ultimately Judy’s and Don’s marriage ended in a divorce. 

Judy was an avid tennis player and by extension, very health and fitness-minded.  Working in Morristown and being interested in after-work exercise, she started a membership at the closest facility, which was the Racquetball Club at Cedar Knolls. That is where she met Randy, who was often there practicing for weekend competitions. What followed was forty happy years together, the last thirty-six as husband and wife.

Judy had many interests and among her most obvious passions was music. She loved classical music and jazz, nurtured that by attending live performances at Lincoln Center and other venues, and had such familiarity with music that she knew the lyrics to a surprising number of songs. She played the piano, but singing was her primary means of musical expression. As a member of The Masterwork Chorus, she participated in its performance of Handel’s Messiah when New York’s Carnegie Hall was the venue. Singing as a member of her church choir was a lifelong endeavor and joyful means for music engagement and fellowship.

Judy found many worthwhile ways to spend her time. She enjoyed reading and the latest best-sellers could always be found close at hand. She enjoyed food and dining out, and attended numerous cooking classes, which, besides countless cookbooks that she acquired, helped her become an exceptional cook. Hosted dinner gatherings for family and friends always drew compliments for the dishes served and her table presentation. She had a flair for writing which she ably applied in communication roles at work and church, and personal communiques to friends, and she had a great eye for decorating, sometimes relenting that it was a calling she should have pursued.

Judy loved the outdoors and nature. Her gardening work would herald the start of another spring and summer, and lavender, geraniums, tulips, marigolds, and many herbs and plants used for cooking brightened the outside or the deck. Feeding the birds year-round gave her great pleasure and was understood to be an ongoing responsibility once started, despite any interference from squirrels or chipmunks.  During her last two years, the bird feeders hanging on the deck drew countless numbers and types of birds every day, something that helped sustain her spirits by offering another reminder of life’s simple pleasures. She shared in the joys and heartbreaks of being a dog owner, and every golden retriever that was a member of the family knew that she was an easy touch for love or treats.    

Judy loved traveling. She always felt it should be done “while you can,” and so she vacationed in Nantucket annually, traveled to France, Italy, Switzerland, and various Caribbean islands (St. Bart’s being her favorite). She visited Paris six times and was struck by its history and charm, always wanting to return. Normandy, Mont Blanc, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and witnessing the final stage of the Tour de France on Les Champs-Elysées were special life experiences in her travels.

While there were many other ways that Judy enjoyed spending her time, nothing surpassed her pleasure in being with friends and family, and in particular, the time she spent with her grandchildren. She was blessed to have six: Alex, Hannah, Benjamin, Max, Hunter (Rifkin) and Marina Hernandez. She was also thrilled to have a great grandson, Andrew, born to Ben and Flavia, who came along soon after her health challenge began.

Judy earned a paralegal certificate, an Associate of Arts degree in music, and a Bachelor of Arts degree. She worked most of her adult life in the fields of telecommunications and law, spending most of her employment time as a manager at AT&T and legal assistant at the law practices of Stephen S. Weinstein, and McKirdy, Riskin, Olson & DellaPelle, PC.

Judy was beautiful inside and out. She had a warm smile and a fun-loving side that she abundantly shared. She was generous and compassionate, and often placed the interests of others ahead of her own. Kind words for and about others, being supportive through the ups and downs friends and family experienced, and approaching each day with enthusiasm and gratitude, were among traits that were brilliantly evident.  Judy navigated her health ordeal and treatment demands with grace and faith, never complaining, always grateful, especially to her many caregivers.

Judy is survived by her husband, Randy, her daughters, sister, grandchildren and great grandchild, a niece, Glenda Eakle (Bridgeport, WV), a nephew, David Compton (Clarksburg), and a brother-in-law, Barry (Tappan, NY), with whom she held close relationships.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Judy’s life on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Gladstone, New Jersey at 11:00 a.m.

For those who desire, donations can be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (designate the music program) or to Nourish N.J. where Judy served as a volunteer many times.

Arrangements are under the care of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, Madison, NJ.