Judith Ann Vanarsdale (81) of Havre de Grace, Maryland passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 11, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Luther Clarence, Sr. and Rose (nee Smith) Hirschy.
A 1959 graduate of Aberdeen High, Judy worked in downtown Aberdeen during her younger years. These included the soda fountain at Dell’s Pharmacy and at Harford Bank, where she started as a teller and then became proficient as an accountant. In later years, she was able to use her meticulous and detailed accounting practices to work hand-in-hand with her Charlie on his business enterprises.
She enjoyed supporting her family of firefighters and her community as a Life Member and Past President of the Aberdeen Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was one of the original organizers of the annual Aberdeen Christmas Street festivities and used her hostess skills for numerous fundraisers.
Among her numerous talents included crafts like ceramics and Christmas ornaments, which annually adorn the family’s holiday trees. She also designed and made beautiful China dolls, some in striking likenesses of her precious granddaughters.
She loved to travel, with some of her favorite outings being to Florida to visit her father, Nashville, Disney, the many sights of New York City, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Cruises were also a joy to her, with Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas being among her most remembered.
The waves, beach, and sun had an exceptionally strong pull for her. Her most beloved places were Ocean City, and especially Assateague Island – where she had adopted 6 horses. She also loved snow, and adapted readily to any climate whether her home was in Sturbridge, MA, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, or Ocean Pines, MD.
Above all, she loved her husband Charlie and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Babies and small children could make her already beautiful smile truly light up. She was a great supporter of Charlie and a devoted homemaker – she did daily battle with those omnipresent “dust bunnies.” And, as a fantastic cook and great hostess, to entertain family was one of her greatest delights. To say she will be greatly missed by all would be an understatement.
Judy is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Charlie Vanarsdale, seven children; Bill Smith (Denise), David Smith (Amy), Linda Schwartz (Randy), Diana Russell (Rusty), Michael Smith (Kimberly), Charlie F. Vanarsdale and Eddie Vanarsdale.
Grandchildren; Amanda Smith (Paul Butcher), Adam Smith (Brittany), Amber Smith, Austin Smith (Christine), Cody Smith, Riley Smith, Amy Stevens (Jeff), RK Schwartz, Tim Schwartz, Colleen Russell, Sara Jezyk (Ronnie), Julie Russell (Dave), Rachel Nickle (Keith), Nick McMorris (Emily), Jacob Smith (Christian), Victoria Smith, Sophie Vanarsdale (Robin), Ian Vanarsdale, Zoe Vanarsdale.
Great-Grandchildren; Kira Butcher, Crosby Smith, Gabriel Garrett, River Stevens, Alyssa Jezyk, Cassidy Adams, Addison Adams, Briana Phillips, James Phillips, Grayson Jezyk, Emmerson Jezyk, Isabella Nickle, Savannah Nickle, Kendra Allan, Piper Allan, Noah Nickle, Owen McMorris, Jace Smith, Zoe McMorris, Sadie Smith, Clara Smith and Ivy Vanarsdale.
Judy was exceptionally close to her lifelong friend, Louise Farmer (Rondall), with whom she loved like a sister.
A private celebration of Judy’s life will be held by the family.