Born Jan. 8, 1961 (“First Month, Eighth Day”) in Malone, Judy was the daughter of Andrew Pelkey and Gladys Mayville Pelkey.

She graduated from North Country Community College and went on to spend several decades working for the Lake Placid Club Lodges, eventually becoming assistant manager. She made many long-lasting friendships and relationships with the staff, guests and owners.

Judy was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. She always wanted everyone else to be happy, rarely complained, and was always doing thoughtful, kind things for everyone in her life.

She had a lifelong passion for oil painting, creating a multitude of pieces that are treasured by her family and friend. She enjoyed spending her time outdoors, on the lakes, fishing, kayaking, boating and camping. She lived a life full of adventure: campfires, cooking, sunsets, dinners and dreaming for the future just wanting more time. She loved Cosmo flowers and gardening, getting dirty, always barefoot or in her keens. She loved a good shot of tequila, or a tequila seltzer lime at her favorite bar, The Rusty Nail, where she had many friends.

She loved spending time with her three wonderful children she was proud of raising. She adored her grandchildren and gladly spent her free time teaching them the joy of applying oil paint to canvas, and to love the outdoors through special camping trips and many adventures fishing, swimming all while loving them up. She valued her close-knit family; she loved to keep contact with her siblings and their children. She loved her bestie Sheri, and her many friends she had crazy adventures with around fires, kayaking and living it up. She will be missed.

She is survived by her boyfriend of 11 years, Frank Donnelly; children Ashley (Jim) Herd, Jason (Kelly) Wemette and Joshua (Laura) Wemette; five grandchildren, Isaak, Jasper, George, Emery and Jackson; siblings Rose (Gerald) Pelkey Latreille Lewis Parent, David (Bonnie) Pelkey, Thomas (Lynn) Pelkey; countless nieces and nephews that she loved as if they were her own children; Cosmo, her little kitty; and many wonderful friends.

Judy was predeceased by her parents, her brother Wade Pelkey and his wife Beth.

At Judy’s request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held later on at the convenience of the family.

In honor of her appreciation for local art programs, donations in her memory can be made to ADK ArtRise in Saranac Lake.