On May 29, 2025, Judith Ann Szwaya nee Roy of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
To her husband of 58 years, Jerry, she was the love of a lifetime, as he was to her. As the oldest child of five, she was “the one in charge”. As the mother of three, mother-in-law of three and Nana of nine (plus two grandchildren-in-law), she was their sunshine.
Judy was born and raised in Holyoke, MA. She met and married her husband in college, and eventually settled down in Hamden, CT. She ran the Make Way for Ducklings Daycare from her home for almost 20 years. After retiring, she and Jerry moved to Virginia to be closer to her daughter and her family.
She loved baking (as anyone who has ever had her chocolate chip cookies knows), shopping at thrift stores, and her flowers. She was very generous with her time and love. Her family was the pride of her life, and she never failed to brag about even the smallest things.
Judy is survived by her husband Jerry; her children, Kristina Staton (Christopher) of Centreville, Virginia, Michael Szwaya (Rachel Brown) of Portland, Oregon, and Jeffrey Szwaya (Jessica Stechmann) of Mandeville, Louisiana; her nine grandchildren, Ian Szwaya (Sarah Fowler), Rachel Rich (Jonathan), Owen Szwaya, Megan Staton, Everett Szwaya, Brian Staton, Alyssa Staton, Nathan Szwaya, and Cameron Szwaya; her siblings, Elizabeth Rossmeisl (James), John Roy (Joanne), Jeffrey Roy (Bonnie), and Melissa Roy (Drew Flaherty), and siblings in law, Daniel Szwaya (Pamela) and Margaret Zyniewicz (Robert), as well as 20 nieces and nephews; and eight great-nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 5 from 6-8 P.M. at Maddox Funeral home, 105 W. Main St., Front Royal, VA.
The funeral Mass will be Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 120 W. Main St., Front Royal, VA. Interment will be immediately after in St. Peter Cemetery, 12762 Lee Hwy., Washington, VA.
The family will have a reception after interment at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (basement hall) in Front Royal.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
May Judy rest in peace and love. A donation in her memory will be made to Susan G Koman foundation
In Sympathy
Lane Brown and Maureen Wright
Dear Gerry, I am so sorry to learn of Judy’s death. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Vinnie loved you both and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
With love,
Dinah Virgulto
Jerry and Family,
I m so sorry for your loss. Judy was a wonderful and kind lady, that I adored. I loved her cooking too,she was the best! You were blessed, in that she was your wife and mother, Hold onto all her love and the memories you have of her, she is always with you. I pray u all find peace in knowing she is no longer in pain. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.❤️