Judith A. Herrala

Judith Ann Raymond Herrala of Ovid, New York and Sun City West, Arizona passed away peacefully in Arizona on February 13, 2009 with her loving family by her side.

Born in Syracuse, New York on May 27, 1942, Judy was the daughter of the late Lyle Archie and Eileen Frances Raymond. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1959 and was looking forward to catching up with fellow classmates at the 50th reunion this summer. Judy was also a graduate of Central City Business Institute in Syracuse.

Following her marriage to Alfred Herrala on July 15, 1962, Judy accepted a position with Cornell University in the Department of Poultry and Avian Sciences. She later transferred to Cornell's Department of Communications, retiring in 1996. Judy volunteered on Food Net's Board of Trustees, as treasurer, for over ten years. She was also a follower and supporter of the arts. Whether at a musical in a local theater or a museum in Europe, Judy enjoyed the arts as one of mankind's greatest gifts. Whenever the late Luciano Pavarotti came to the US to perform, Judy was in the audience absorbing the magnificence of his tenor voice.

The shores of Cayuga Lake provided Judy an immense appreciation for our region's beauty. She spent many hours reading on her porch, listening to the waves which offered peace and solitude. Her porch also provided an ideal vantage point for watching deer, squirrels, rabbits and a breath-taking array of feathered friends who rewarded Judy's faithfulness in filling the feeders with a daily show of color and aviary antics.

Creating scrapbooks was another favored pastime where Judy could capture and re-live her wonderful travels with her husband Al to Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. She made it to 49 of the 50 states - darn that North Dakota! While spending winter months at their home in Sun City West Judy and Al would often visit Hawaii.

Her husband Al and son Andy's love of cars was not lost on Judy. She was a 33 year member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and enjoyed car shows, especially the Hershey, PA meet. Even though Judy did not like the fact that her son raced automobiles, she did lend her support by attending many of his events. With Judy, the center of her world was family and being surrounded by her loving family brought her immense joy. Whether putting a puzzle together, playing cards or attending an auto race, a reunion or simple get-togethers, Judy was eager to share her love, warmth and generosity with those around her. This spirit of kindness and generosity was deep-seated and was evident throughout her entire life. Judy's countless random acts of kindness truly made the world a better place.

In addition to her loving husband Al, of 46 years, Judy is survived by her one cherished child, whom she called her "Favorite Son" R. Andrew "Andy" Herrala; two older brothers Clarence "Stork" Raymond (Sandy) of Altoona, FL and Howard Raymond (Jeanette) of Dadeville, AL; one younger sister Cherry Luzzader (Wayne) of North Logan, UT and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Judy was preceded in death by her faithful golden retriever Bert, who provided love, friendship and protection for 14 years.

Memorial Services will be held at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 11:00 am with the Reverend Jeff Losey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to honor Judy's memory with a contribution to kindly consider the Interlaken Public Library, P.O. Box 317, Interlaken, NY 14847 or the Wildlife World Zoo, 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.

The family have entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446. www.ness-sibley.com.