Judy Lillian Ciechanowski

Judy Lillian (Karl) Ciechanowski, age 87, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts surrounded by her family. Born in New York, New York on October 20, 1938, she was the daughter of Edward Andrew and Lillian (Read) Karl. Judy was raised in the Queens borough of New York City and graduated from Newtown High School located in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens.

Judy met the love of her life, William Reginald Ciechanowski, through her best friend Ruth, who happened to be his sister. The pair were polar opposites, but as the saying goes, opposites often attract, and love blossomed quickly between them. Judy and Bill were married on May 24, 1959 in Ridgewood, New York. The newlyweds made their married home in New York City, before venturing to Long Island, New York, settling in Huntington in 1964. It was there that they raised their family, welcoming their children Craig and Alison. Judy and Bill remained in Huntington until the early 1990's, moving to further east on the island, purchasing a home in Mattituck. They made Mattituck their home until the mid-2000's, downsizing and moving to a 55+ community in the quiet hamlet town of Ridge, also on Long Island. In the fall of 2023, after the loss of her beloved husband, Judy moved to Massachusetts to be closer to family.

Judy was a homemaker for most of her life, raising her children and taking care of her husband and home. When her children had grown up, she ventured out into the work force. She worked for ADP doing data entry, at Harbe's Family Farm stand in Mattituck, as well as at the local libraries in both Huntington and Mattituck.

In her free time, Judy loved to spend time with her family. She was devoted to her husband, as he was to her, and they did everything together, hand in hand. Her children were her life, and she welcomed their spouses into the family with open arms. When her grandchildren were born, Judy reveled in the pride and joy that only a grandparent knows. Distance was never a deterrent to seeing her family, often making day trips to visit, and never missing an important occasion or event. Long rides in the car were enjoyable to Judy, with her and Bill taking cruises around town each day just for fun, usually stopping at the beaches that she loved to visit. Judy very active; she walked at least a mile each day and tried her hand at a variety of athletics over the years, including kayaking and cross-country skiing. She also enjoyed gardening and reading, especially the Bible. Judy was a very religious woman, who lived her values and shared them with others. As she put it, her faith "isn't a part of life, it is our way of life". She taught Bible study for decades, only stepping back from leading in 2021, and she and Bill often ministered to others who were homebound. Judy also was an incredible organist and pianist, playing hymns for church services when possible.

Beloved wife of the late William Reginald Ciechanowski

Loving mother of Craig Ciechanowski and his wife Sheila of Walpole, and Alison Bertothy of Exton, Pennsylvania.

Cherished grandmother of Casey Ciechanowski of Norfolk, Hanna Redd and her husband Christopher of Foxborough, Andrew Ciechanowski of Norfolk, Abbey Haskins and her husband Grant of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Bryce Bertothy of St. James, New York, and Christian Bertothy of St. Petersburg, Florida; and great-grandmother of Raelynn and Emma.

Sister of the late Edward Karl.

Also survived by her dear cousin Robert Heuman and his wife Jennifer of East Northport, New York, her sister and brother-in-law Carol (Ciechanowski) and Tom Rebele of Queens, New York and David O’Hehir also of Queens, New York, as well as many extended relatives and friends.

At the request of Judy's family, all services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Judy's name may be made to the Catskill Christian Assembly at 185 Falke Road Prattsville, NY 12468 or by visiting https://ccacamp.churchcenter.com/giving

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.