Judith “Judy” Pensack, 91, passed away on February 11, 2025, at Maple Ridge Memory Care in Essex, Vt. At the time of her passing, she had her daughter by her side.
Judy was born in Brooklyn on April 12, 1933. She attended Brandeis University and graduated from Columbia University with a degree in dental hygiene. Although she would often remark that she hated putting her hands in people’s mouths, she loved teaching dental hygiene to young elementary students.
Judy married Irwin Pensack on April 11, 1954. They first lived in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., and later moved to Hartsdale and then to Scarsdale, N.Y., as their family grew. Judy was the quintessential ’50s housewife, caring for her family and running the household, as well as being an active member of the Scarsdale Synagogue Sisterhood. She was a loving wife and a demanding mother who encouraged her children, Larry, Debbie and Brian, to reach for success. She was a loyal friend, a passionate shopper and a world traveler.
Judy loved to entertain and was a master at throwing parties and planning elaborate events. In 1977, Judy, Irwin and Brian moved to Longwood, Fla., and later to Heathrow, Fla. While in Florida, Judy delved into real estate sales, but she ultimately found her true calling as a travel agent. She also found great joy volunteering as a museum docent to young students in Winter Park, Fla.
Judy loved to spend time relaxing on the beach, whether it was in her beloved New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; in St. Thomas with her best friend, Susan; or on an exotic island elsewhere.
Judy is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Irwin Pensack, of Essex, Vt.; son Lawrence M. Pensack and his wife, Meredith Pensack, of Newton, Mass.; daughter, Deborah P. Volk, and her husband, Paul S. Volk, of Richmond, Vt.; and son Brian D. Pensack and his wife, Sonia Robles Figueroa, of Petaluma, Calif. Judy is also survived by her three cherished grandchildren, Amanda Pensack, Danielle Pensack and Ian Volk, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins, all of whom she enjoyed spending time with and loved dearly. The family extends a very special thanks to Glenn Taylor and Edith Wilkerson, who made Judy’s life in Vermont very special.
A funeral service will be held Friday, February 21, 1 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 500 Swift St., South Burlington, VT. Following the service, there will be a celebration of Judy’s life at the temple. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England or Give Way to Freedom at givewaytofreedom.org/get-involved/#donate.