Zuzack

Judith “Judy” Ann Zuzack, 65, of Slippery Rock, and formerly of Indiana, Pa., and Glens Falls, N.Y., passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Judy was born in Carlisle, Pa., on April 20, 1957, to David M. Emmel and Barbara A. (Hammer) Emmel.

She was married to her husband, James “Jim” V. Zuzack, for 42 years. They married Aug. 18, 1979.

Judy received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Judy retired from Butler County Community College, where she was the director of and a teacher at the Amy Wise Children’s Creative Learning Center (CCLC) for 19 years. Judy loved teaching young children and took great pride in her work. Under her leadership, the CCLC achieved the highest possible rating for quality through the Keystone STARS program of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She viewed Fred Rogers as her hero and took inspiration from him in her interactions with her grandchildren as well as all young children. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of books to inspire imagination and wonder in children of all ages.

Judy loved being creative, often trying out new art forms such as sewing, painting, printing, knitting, floral arrangements, and more. She loved listening to and playing music, especially classical piano. She had a way of creating memorable and meaningful experiences for her family and friends during holidays and special occasions. With her husband, she often enjoyed walking in nature, kayaking and bike riding. Her favorite place to be was with her family by the ocean. She recently had begun horseback riding lessons. Judy was an inspiration to all through her continual display of courage and determination during her journey with illness.

Judy is survived by her husband, James; her children, Nathan Zuzack (spouse Tiffanie Zuzack) of Harmony, Emily Zuzack (spouse Katherine Kidd) of Pittsburgh, Kari Zuzack of Pittsburgh, and Jessica Zuzack of Ashland, Ore.; her sisters, Katherine Randall of Pewaukee, Wis., and Lisa Ferracane of Wake Forest, N.C.; her brother, Allen Emmel of Nashville, Tenn.; and her grandchildren (Nathan and Tiffanie’s children), Owen James, Westley Matthew and Violet Grace Zuzack.

ZUZACK — All are welcome to join the family of Judith “Judy” Ann Zuzack, who died Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at a gathering to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.

A service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022, at the funeral home and will be led by the Rev. Keith McIlwain of Slippery Rock United Methodist Church.

Interment will take place privately Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Slippery Rock Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.