Judith “Judy” Edwina Ryan Harris passed away peacefully with her children Barbara and Brian by her side on October 24, 2022 in Syracuse, New York. Born on May 2, 1936 in Holyoke, Massachusetts to Charles and Leona (Burnett) Ryan, Judy lived an extraordinary life for over 86 years and touched and enriched thousands of lives during her time with us.

     True to her innate kind and caring nature, Judy graduated at the top of her class from the Springfield Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield, Massachusetts following high school and began what would be a remarkable nursing career that spanned nearly five decades. A self-proclaimed “Hatfield Girl”, raised in the small Western Massachusetts town of less than 2000 people, she courageously left for the bright lights and fast pace of New York City after graduating nursing school and worked as a Pediatric Nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. She moved to Upstate New York in the early 1960s where she eventually raised her children in the home she and her then husband, James Harris, built in 1967 in Fayetteville near her beloved Green Lakes State Park. She proudly resided in this home until her passing. Judy continued nursing at the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center and then spent nearly three decades as a Geriatric Community Mental Health Nurse at Hutchings Psychiatric Center in Syracuse, NY until she retired. Throughout her nursing career she demonstrated kindness, compassion, empathy, and a true mastery of her profession that won her the widespread respect, admiration and gratitude of her patients, their families, and her professional colleagues. Judy was a mentor to many and a role model to all. 

     The light Judy shined on others extended far beyond her professional endeavors. It shined brightest on her family, her family pets, and those fortunate enough to become part of her extended family and her ever-expanding web of beautiful friendships. Her love, compassion, generosity, and support knew no limits. She cherished time with loved ones and never missed a milestone, a special occasion, a holiday, or an opportunity to let someone know she was thinking of or praying for them. Judy absolutely loved being a Grandmother and she thrived in the role. She also famously become known as Grandma Judy and Aunt Judy to dozens of others through her loving nature and commitment to the children of her extended family and lifelong friends.

     Judy possessed a true zest for life and viewed each day as a blessing after prevailing against multiple serious health challenges. She had an amazing ability to overcome obstacles, adapt, and to stay active and engaged. Always one to adopt a new hobby or interest, she kept her mind young, stayed curious, and led by example in teaching us all what it meant to live our very best lives on a daily basis. She relished in the simple pleasures of connecting with family and friends, reading - often two books per week, enjoying the outdoors, knitting, playing cards and board games, and perhaps most of all, spending time on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard with her family.

     A woman of devout faith, Judy was a proud, longstanding member of the Fayetteville United Methodist Church, a community she loved deeply. She was also the epitome of demonstrating tolerance, embracing diversity, and living her life by the core belief that we are all God’s children – equals who are free to live, love and worship as we please. She combined a wisdom and humility often sought but seldom found, with the kind, gentle ethos of acceptance that made people gravitate towards her and always feel welcome. Judy represented the very best of the human spirit. Judy was also a long time, dedicated member of AA and a shining example of how the program works. She guided many people on their path to sobriety. The Program made her life longer, happier, and heathier and gave it far deeper meaning.

     Judy is survived by her daughter, Barbara Harris, and her wife Jennifer (Collier), and her son, Brian Harris, and his wife Grace (León) and her greatest sources of pride and joy, granddaughters Olivia and Catarina. She is also survived by her loving elder sister, Barbara Ryan Faulstich, and her other two sisters: her devoted sister-in-law, Katherine Ivory, and her lifelong best friend and sister in every sense of the word, Jane Turner. Judy will be forever loved and always remembered.

     A Memorial Service in Judy’s honor will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Fayetteville United Methodist Church, in Fayetteville, NY. Family and friends are kindly encouraged to wear shades of blue.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Judy’s memory to The American Lung Association.