Judy Stengel
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Our dear sweet Judy made her trip to heaven, probably dancing along the way, on August 3, 2026. She fought her battle fiercely until the very end, ultimately passing peacefully. We are comforted knowing she was welcomed by Jonathan, Luke, Scruffy and Paddington 🐾
Judy Alice Stengel was born in Bridgeport September 8, 1958 to Carl William Stengel Jr. and Shirley Kardos Stengel. The youngest of 3 siblings she grew up in Fairfield, attending public schools, and graduated from the University of Bridgeport Fones School of Dental Hygiene in 1978
For most of her adult life she resided in Branford as a part of the Hotchkiss Grove beach community. It was there that her love of creating beautiful flower and vegetable gardens flourished. She cherished the fun times and great friends she made there. The beach was surely her happy place.
Her family meant everything to her. She was Aunt Jude to her nieces and nephews Andrew, Becky, Maggie and Karl. “Always an adventure with Aunt Jude” they would say, and there were many! Her great niece Charlotte, born 3 years ago, brought much joy to Judy and all of us during the challenging days that followed.
She is survived by her sister Jill Kuzmich and husband Bob, and her brother Charles Stengel and wife Dee. Also nieces and nephews Andrew Kuzmich and wife Melissa and their daughter Charlotte, Rebecca Kuzmich Doddadyamapla and husband Adarsh, Maggie Kelly and Karl Stengel. Her extended family of loving Aunts, cousins, and many friends will miss her. She was predeceased by her parents, and many aunts and uncles who loved her dearly.
The family would like to thank her many caregivers along the way, Yale Hospice at Home, CT Hospice at Home, and The CT Hospice Branford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Judy’s name.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday August 10, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St John’s Episcopal Church, 129 Ledge Hill Road, Guilford, CT 06437. A reception will follow in the parish hall. In fulfillment of Judy’s wishes please feel free to wear casual, colorful, comfortable clothes. If you would like to bring a flower that reminds you of Judy we will have vases to collect them all to be used at the reception after the service.