Judith A. Crispell, affectionately known as Judy to her friends and loved ones, passed away in her sleep on January 6, 2025, after a courageous battle with end-stage dementia. She was born on May 5, 1938, in Poughkeepsie, NY, the daughter of Kenneth Bishop and Beatrice Myers. Predeceased by her parents, her infant son Scott David Crispell, her stepfather Herbert Palmer Sr., her brother Herbert Palmer Jr. and his wife Susan Palmer. Judy's memory will live on through her family and the many nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Judy.

Judy graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1956 and shortly thereafter, met the love of her life Niles Crispell. Their marriage was an example of dedication and giving, and together, they built a family that brought them both a great deal of pride and satisfaction. Judy was a generous, steadfast supporter of her children. Throughout her life, she maintained a close relationship with her son Todd and his wife Julie, and daughter Tracy and her husband Steve Mittermaier. She treasured her role as grandmother to Joshua and Amanda Mittermaier, especially looking forward to their yearly visits to her and Niles' condo in Naples, Florida.

Throughout her life, Judy kept herself busy with numerous skills and hobbies. She was skilled in cooking, sewing, crochet, and stained glass. She sewed women's clothing for herself and others close to her, and her family still enjoys many of the beautiful crocheted blankets she created. Her love for reading was insatiable, and she could often be found engrossed in a book or solving crossword puzzles. Judy also had a fondness for Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, during which she waged a shadow competition against the on-screen contestants, and enjoyed critiquing everyone's fashion choices.

Judy's creativity was matched by her boldly outgoing nature, and she was known for her tendency to find or make friends wherever she went. She created a welcoming home for these friends, family, and neighbors. She loved animals, and several dogs spent many good years enjoying her company. Todd and Tracy fondly remember the adventures and mishaps that came with years of camping trips to northern New York and visits to their cabin on Indian Lake. They often reminisce about how their friends were welcomed and "mothered" by Judy, several of whom also remember her as their Saturday morning coach for the bowling League at HoeBowl.

In her final years, Judy faced the decline endured by those with end-stage dementia. In doing so, many of her gentler characteristics were stripped away, leaving her bolder traits on full display. It became harder to pull her from conversations with new friends at the grocery store, and colorful exclamations became a regular occurrence. Luckily, this usually included the retelling of a fond memory (a lesson taught by an admired 7th grade teacher), eager declarations of what she wanted to do (often a picnic at Quiet Cove), and comments about how pretty the clouds look. Through it all, she maintained her fierce rivalry with squirrels.

Judy's legacy is one of love, artistry, and an unquenchable zest for life. Her memory will be carried forward in the stories shared by those who knew her, the beautiful works she created, and the warm smiles she elicited from friends and strangers alike.

Her husband, Niles, passed away twelve days after Judy, and they have both been cremated. Memorial calling hours for them both will be from 4 to 7 Pm, Friday, January 24th at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

A joint Memorial Service for Judy and Niles will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, January 25th at the United Methodist Church of Hyde Park, corner of Church Street & Route 9. Pastor Kent Jackson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Judy's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.