Judy B. Eaton

Judy B. Eaton, age 77, passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2016 at Upstate Medical University with her loved ones by her side. Born in Lackawanna, NY on March 7, 1939, Judy was the daughter of the late James Van Du Zee and Irma Betty (Shoemaker) Brown. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Syracuse University where she was a member of the tennis team. She was proud of her position on her collegiate team and she retained a lifetime interest in the athletes and world events surrounding the sport. At one time she was married to the late David W. Eaton, and to that marriage came the blessing of three children. During the 1970’s Judy was employed by the Department of Social Services of Oneida County as a Social Worker. Later she worked for the County Census overseeing Audits. She was an advertising salesperson for the Polk Directory, TransWestern, and Yellow Book. She was recognized for her superior work ethic and received numerous awards citing her attributes as an outstanding salesperson. Her last employment was a vocational position as a Teaching Assistant at the House of the Good Shepherd in Utica, NY. She loved the children and all their challenges and was loved by all. Judy had a rapport with people and was an astute listener and able to draw on the potential of others. She was wise, hard-working and was an avid reader. She was passionate about volunteering at various adult and teenage programs, inspiring all. As a Catholic, Judy was a true believer who respected and valued all expressions of faith. She was a member of the CSJ Associate Community. She embraced the charism of unity and reconciliation and participated in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Judy was dedicated to the spiritual development of others and had been committed to the former St. Francis De Sales Community, Thea Bowman House, and Pax Christi, all of Utica. She was passionate about advocating for children. She was sometimes known as the “kid whisperer” and she loved all of them, especially those in need. Her hobbies and interests included crafting grapevine wreaths, and writing poetry. She also studied and investigated local and state history and federal and state parks. Judy never missed a beat in life and she never sweat the small stuff. Judy is survived by her daughter, Beth Eaton and her partner Kirsten Teitelbaum and son David of Ithaca; Judy’s son, Whitney B. Eaton and Kerri Bradley of California. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Robert Heller Eaton who passed away on September 1, 2005. She is also survived by her siblings, James Van Du Zee and his wife Dorothy, Diantha E. Brown, Irma B. and Tom Farrow, Stephen S. and Christyne Brown, and Charles C. Brown; and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friend, Betsy West. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Janet Brown; her brother-in-law, Jamie Sullivan; and cousin Ginger Nicholson. The family is grateful to all those who tended to Judy’s needs with loving care during her final journey. Visitation will be held Friday from 3:00 – 5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, sympathy donations may be made to the Thea Bowman House, 731 Lafayette St., Utica, NY 13502 or Hope House, 130 Eagle St., Utica, NY 13501; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Judy’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday evening at 5:00 at the conclusion of visitation, and will be officiated by Sister Lynn Abdelnour, CSJ.

Judy B. Eaton

March 7, 1939 - December 25, 2016