Obituary of Judith Ann A'Hearn-Crossman

Elmira, New York and Largo, Florida died at age 78 at her home in Elmira on Monday, May 17, 2021. Judy's journey with cancer ended peacefully with her family at her side. The team at CareFirst on our brief hospice journey has been outstanding. Judy was born March 23, 1943 to the late Walter "Doc" A. and Evelyn (Hakes) Wichtowski. She was predeceased by her two brothers Arthur Wichtowski and David Wichtowski and by her first husband James A'Hearn. Judy leaves many not only to mourn her loss but also to celebrate her arrival in heaven: Her devoted husband of 13 years and primary caregiver during the journey, Bert Crossman of Largo and Elmira; daughter Kathryn Hayes of Gloversville NY and her two children Karleen Locher (Dan) and their baby daughter Lillian of Cleveland NY, and Jack Hayes of Charleston, SC; daughter Karleen A'Hearn (John Thatcher) of Pine City, NY and her son Chayton A'Hearn; sister-in-law Marianne Wichtowski and sister-in-law Carol Wichtowski both of Elmira; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Judy loved her grandchildren Karly, Jack, and Chayton and was so excited when she became a great grandmother on December 1. Lily brightened Judy's days every time she came with her parents, Karly and Dan, to visit. Judy's last family celebration took place on Mother's Day. Bert celebrated their thirteenth wedding anniversary with her on May 14. She was also a loving mother, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend to so many. She also loved Bert's two daughters Stephanie Crossman (Manfred Schmidt) and Melanie Crossman (Johnathan Trakalo) of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Judy had a distinguished career in nursing which began in 1963 at St. Joseph's hospital in Elmira. The following year she moved to Norwich, NY and worked at the Chenango Memorial Hospital from 1964- 1984 except for two years when she was at Mount Kisco Hospital (1968-69). In 1984 Judy moved from nursing in hospitals to nursing with the New York State Department of Corrections. She began that journey at Camp Pharsalia and then moved back to Elmira to work at the Elmira Correctional Facility. Her career culminated as an Infection Control Nurse where she was responsible for four other correctional facilities with Elmira as her home base. Although she retired from that job in 2006, she continued to work periodically at Elmira until 2011. In total, her career spanned 48 years which speaks to her dedication to nursing. After leaving her nursing career behind, Judy and Bert began to spend more time in Florida. Judy became very active in volunteer work with their home church, Anona United Methodist Church in Largo, FL. She volunteered with the homeless at Pinellas Hope and the underprivileged at Lealman. She was on the leadership team for Simply Worship and led her first worship service on All Saint's Day 2020. She was President of the Mary Fellowship Group and introduced ladies much older than her to Zoom meetings when the pandemic forced us to shelter in place. Most of our summers except for a couple were spent in Elmira, where we worshipped at Westside United Methodist Church. She particularly delighted in volunteering at the Family Fun Day event that used to take place for several summers. Judy loved to travel to learn about different people and their cultures. In her earlier life she did so with many girlfriends. Once she met Bert, they explored the world together. Her most memorable journey was a pilgrimage they made to the Holy Land with fellow pilgrims from Anona. The experiences they had together changed their lives and their marriage in the most amazing ways. Judy was loved by so many and touched many so deeply. Her smile would light up a room. We will miss you, Judy. A Celebration of Judy’s Life takes place on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 2:00PM at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 West Water Street, Elmira NY 14905. For those unable to travel the celebration will Livestream on YouTube; subscribe to McInerny Funeral Home. An additional Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place in the Fall at Anona United Methodist Church, Largo. In lieu of flowers, Judy requested that memorial donations be made to any of the following: Anona United Methodist Church, Largo, FL; Westside United Methodist Church, Elmira, NY; Florida Dream Center, St. Petersburg, FL; Women on the Way, St Petersburg College, FL; The Salvation Army; World Vision; or any food bank in your local community. Judy also liked doing something nice for somebody else unexpectedly, and without explanation.