Judith Ann Schwarzenberg, age 82, of Derby, found her way home on November 24, 2021 after a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. With her winning smile and gentle, nurturing soul, she was a beautiful, bright spot in the lives of so many loved ones.
Judy was born in Milford on March 6, 1939, and was the daughter of the late Raymond and Viola (Porter) Symanski. Her parents owned and operated the Hometown Bakery at Walnut Beach, where the family all contributed to the success of the business. After graduating from Milford High School in 1957, Judy went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State College (now SCSU) in 1961.
After college, Judy began teaching kindergarten at Devon Grammar School and as a young teacher she met the love of her life, the late Richard Schwarzenberg of Stratford. They were engaged in 1962 and were married on July 6, 1963. Judy and Rick were married for 55 years until his death on May 23, 2019. Throughout the years they supported and loved one another through all the difficult times, and found pure joy in sharing the good times with their children, family and friends.
Judy was the beloved mother of Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg and her husband John Feddern of Ansonia. As the consummate mother figure, she taught her daughter how to love unconditionally, to put the needs of others first and to do everything possible to make the world a better place.
Judy’s brothers and sisters were also her closest friends. Throughout the years, they celebrated together and maintained the bonds of family. She is survived by her sister Virginia Lee Ross, sister Janet Ireland and her husband Bob, her brother Roy Symanski and her brother Walter “Buck” Symanski and his wife Judy. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Al Ross and her eldest brother Alan Symanski, but is survived by his wife and her close friend, Mary. In addition to her brothers and sisters, Judy is survived by her lifelong best friend Mia DiStasi, who was like a sister to her for over 60 years.
Judy loved spending time with her granddaughters, and is survived by Chelsea Minopoli and her husband Carlo, Jocelyn Davelaar and her husband Austen, and Madeleine Feddern and her boyfriend Colin Hyde. Her great-grandchildren are Laila And Knox Minopoli and Bailee Signore. She is also survived by several dear nieces, nephews and cousins.
We welcome everyone whose life was touched by Judy’s love and endless compassion to join us at her memorial service at 12 Noon on Friday, December 10 at Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, CT. Friends may call on Friday from 11:30 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to TEAM, Inc., Elderly Services Department, 30 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418.
