Judith Ann Contessa

Judith Ann Contessa, a resident of the Holy Family Residence, died Wednesday at the VNA Hospice Inpatient Unit at Geisinger Community Medical Center after an illness.

Born in 1944 in Scranton, daughter of the late Cletus and Audrey Jackson Graham, Judy was a graduate of the Scranton Technical High School. She had been employed as a nurse’s aide at the Adams Manor Nursing Home in Scranton. A devout Catholic, she had been a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in West Scranton and later Mary, Mother of God Parish in North Scranton.

Judy was loved by everyone who knew her. She was a devoted caregiver to her sister, Karen, and will be missed by her entire family. She was a loving mother and grandmother who adored her daughters and grandchildren. Judy enjoyed reading and was passionate about painting. While at Holy Family Residence, Judy became very involved in various activities including developing a yearly art show held at the Residence. She was also instrumental in helping to initiate an art therapy program.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staffs of the Geisinger Community Medical Center Intensive Care Unit and the VNA Hospice Inpatient Unit for the dedicated and compassionate care they gave to Judy. They would also like to especially thank the Little Sisters of the Poor and the staff of Holy Family Residence for the work they do caring for the elderly and the wonderful life the provided for Judy.

Surviving are daughters, Sandra Contessa Fasula and her husband, Joseph, Scranton; and Sheila Hoepfner, Virginia;  siblings, Nancy Karen Graham; Vincent Graham and his wife, Minh, James Graham and his wife, Barbara; William Graham; and Janette Wagner and her husband, Lynn; grandchildren, Gregory Williams Fasula, Charles Hoepfner, Grace Hoepfner, Joseph Fasula, Anthony Hoepfner, Vincent Hoepfner and Isabella Fasula; numerous nieces and nephews; countless friends and family.

She was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Marlene Graham.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton.

Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Maloney Lounge of the Holy Family Residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made to the Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Ash Street, Scranton.

To share a memory or to leave a condolence, visit www.vanstonandjames.com.

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3 Comments

  1. donna carroll

    Sandy, Joe, & Family,

    Vince and I are so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

  2. paul &irene graham / betty shaffer & family

    so sorry for your loss . we as cousins want to let you all know she will be greatly missed

  3. Gwen Huckeba

    I am so sorry for your loss. I have found much comfort from the scriptures during times of terrible tragedy. I am especially fond of the scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:26, where it promises that very soon ‘death will be brought to nothing’. Then, we have the prospect of being reunited with our loved ones right here on this earth (John 5:28,29). I hope this brings you comfort as well. With deepest sympathies, Gwen and family.

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