Judith Nancy Ball

December 24, 1938 - May 19, 2024

Judith "Judy" Ball, 85, of Caledonia, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, May 19, 2024.

Judy was born December 24, 1938, in Rochester, New York, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Freeman) Stoddard, and the sister of Elizabeth "Betsy" Papcun. In 1961, Judy married John G. Ball, Jr.; they were happily married for over sixty-two years.

Judy attended SUNY Buffalo State University, then SUNY Geneseo State University, receiving a dual-certification in elementary education and 7th and 8th grade mathematics. Teaching was her calling. After her graduation, Judy taught mathematics at Carlton Webster Jr. High School in Henrietta. She went on to open and run preschools in Caledonia, Mumford, and Scottsville, then decided to devote her time and talents to raising her two sons, John and Matthew. Later, Judy returned to the classroom and went on to teach for many years at Holy Family School in LeRoy. In addition to teaching, Judy was a receptionist in doctors' offices, assisted a medical doctor in a wellness program for diabetics, and worked for the Census Bureau in 2000.

Always a dedicated volunteer, service to others was a priority for Judy. She volunteered for many organizations, including Livingston County Hospice Care, the annual JDRF Fundraiser Walk, an ADA summer camp for diabetic children, and as a eucharistic minister for shut-ins. After the Corning flood of 1972, Judy traveled with a church group to shovel mud out of residents' homes.

She was a connector and loved being with others. Relatives marveled at how she never missed a birthday. She reached out to others to let them know she was thinking of them, especially during their times of loss. She greatly enjoyed playing cards and playing board games with family and friends and attending her grandchildren's sporting and school events. She loved sitting on her porch, chatting with her Crescent Parkway neighbors and helping organize the annual street picnic.

As an 83 year survivor of Type I diabetes, Judy was a role model to all, especially other diabetics. She attributed her positive outlook to her family and to the endocrinologists, nurses, and educators that helped her manage her diabetes. Judy never gave in to this chronic disease, nor did she let it get the best of her, she learned to control it. She was a proud participant in the Joslin Diabetes Center 50 Year Medalist Research Study in Boston, where the doctors described her as a 'national treasure'.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister. She is survived by her husband, John G. Ball, Jr., her children, John Ball (Evelyn), and Matthew Ball (Nell). Judy loved her five grandchildren immensely: Danny, Michael, Maggie, Justin and Jimmy.

The family would like to thank home health aides Wendy, Penny and Debbie, and visiting nurses Kasey and Lauren, who cared for Judy and John during their last few years in Caledonia. Thanks also to Judy's diabetes support group friends, the entire staff at St. John's Hawthorne, Judy's doctors over the years, and all of the many wonderful Crescent Parkway neighbors.

Visitation will be 4-7pm Monday, June 3, 2024 at Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 Main Street, Caledonia, New York. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at St. Martin de Porres Parish at St. Columba Church, 198 North Street, Caledonia, New York with Fr. John Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at Mumford Rural Cemetery, 1100 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, New York.