Judy Marchese

Judith (Judy) Ann Marchese, born January 15, 1959, in Passaic, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in her home on January 19, 2026.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Constance (Connie) Marchese and Frank Marchese.

She is survived by her beloved children: daughter, Audbrey Massler (Andrew Patterson); son, David Massler (Allison Massler); and daughter, Amy Giles (Andrew Yelton). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Elijah Patterson, Chase Massler, Luke Massler, and Rhett Massler, who brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her sisters, Lauren Davis (Jim Davis), Lisa Marchese, and Claudia Marchese; along with ten nieces and nephews, two great-nephews, one great-niece, and many cousins, all of whom she loved deeply. Judy shared a particularly close bond with her sisters, valuing those relationships throughout her life.

Judy spent most of her life in New Jersey, and for the past 25 years, made Georgia her home. She was a member of Thomson First Methodist Church since 2002, where she found faith, fellowship, and community.

Judy briefly explored modeling in her twenties. As a young mother, she worked as a cocktail waitress and Tupperware representative, always doing what was needed to care for her family. She later graduated from Stockton University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Marketing, and built a successful career as a casino dealer in Atlantic City at Caesars, Sands, and Claridge Casinos, specializing in blackjack, baccarat, pai gow poker, and mini baccarat.

Judy was also certified in yoga, Tai Chi, and water aerobics, and deeply enjoyed teaching classes. She shared her love of movement and wellness wherever she went, even teaching on the beach in the Dominican Republic while attending her son’s wedding.

She was an avid volunteer with the Fishes and Loaves Harlem Food Pantry, served as President of the Harlem Women’s Club, and was a proud member of the Lions Club. She also spent countless hours caring for her parents in their later years, a role she took on with love, patience, and devotion.

Judy made every effort to spend time with her family, valuing togetherness above all else. Her children spoke with her daily during their car rides, conversations that were a constant source of comfort, guidance, and connection. The absence of those daily talks leaves a profound and painful void.

She loved traveling, and often said her favorite trip was going to Italy as a child to visit family with her grandmother while her Uncle Tom was serving in the Navy. Her happy place in the Summer was sitting on the Jersey Shore, where she felt most at peace.

Judy was the glue that held her family together, the steady presence everyone relied on. That space now feels deeply empty. She will be remembered for her generosity, strength, faith, devotion, and unwavering love. Though she is no longer physically present, her spirit and legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

Services will be held at Thomson First Methodist Church on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Thomson, Georgia. Following the service, there will be a gathering at the church.

The family is also planning a Celebration of Life for Judy on the beach in New Jersey in the summer of 2026. Details and date will be announced at a later time.