Judith Anne E. Derry

Judith Ann E. Derry, 80, of Lockport, New York, passed away peacefully with family by her side, on October 29, 2022, at Creamery Creek Senior Living facility in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She was born to the late Edward C. and Annie (Byrom) Emslie in Newton, Massachusetts, on August 7, 1942.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Secretarial Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1964. While living in Western New York, she met her late husband, Edward H., in the “Parents without Partners” group. They were married for 40 years and, together, they raised her children, Kara and Matthew, in Middleport, New York. Judy was employed as a legal secretary in the law office of Grove, Hogan, Hogan, & Douglas in Lockport, New York, from 1971 to 1986. She was employed by the Niagara County Department of Social Services from 1986 until her retirement in 2002. She was hired by the county as a senior stenographer and soon became a caseworker in various capacities: first, in the Teenager Assistance Services Act/Independent Living Unit, then in the Undercare/Foster Care Unit, and finally, in the adoption unit.

Judy and her husband enjoyed square dancing, cruising, traveling, gardening, and attending concerts. Judy was an avid birder. In particular, she was an active member and volunteer for the New York State Bluebird Society (NYSBS). In 2009, the NYSBS selected her for the Herman Bressler Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her dedicated effort to restructure the county coordinator/bluebird ambassador program; and for her leadership as vice president, director, and state county coordinator/bluebird ambassador chair. In 2020, the NYSBS presented her with the Fran Hanes Memorial Conservation Award in recognition of many years of service, outstanding leadership, educational opportunities, and devotion to the conservation of the Eastern Bluebird. She was also very involved with the North American Bluebird Society. Before moving to Wisconsin in 2020, to be closer to her grandchildren, she was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Lockport.

Judy is survived by her children, Kara Derry of Northampton, PA and Matthew (Julie) Emslie of Viroqua, WI; her sister, Susan (William) Walsh, of Andover, MA; three grandchildren, Wyatt, Esmé, and Teige; as well as stepchildren, Scott (Susan) Derry of Brockport, NY and Kimberly A. (Paul) Smith of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; and their children: Shane Derry, Kyle Derry, Jamie Guisinger, and Natalie Guisinger.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua, WI. A memorial and interment service will be held at the Western New York National Cemetery in the summer of 2023.

To honor her life, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer's Association, the New York State Bluebird Society, or the Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Kara and Matthew are extremely grateful for the caring staff at Creamery Creek and St. Croix Hospice.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory in Viroqua is serving Judy's family.

123 W. Decker Street

Viroqua, WI 54665

(608) 637-2100