Judith Ellen Mercurio

Judith Ellen Mercurio (nee Hawkins) passed away after a long illness on November 17, 2025. Judy was born in Greensburg, PA, in the winter of 1942 to Dale and Mary Jane Hawkins, and attended nursing school at the University of Buffalo.

She married Tony Mercurio of Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks of Northern New York, and raised three children, who were her pride and joy: John (Michelle) of Schwenksville, PA, Gina of Missoula, MT and Erica (Brad) of Missoula, MT. Her beautiful and amazing granddaughter, Aria (Jaye) of New Canaan, CT, held a special place in her heart.

Affectionately called “The Jude,” her heart always embraced the great outdoors. She thrived in the mountain air, finding joy in gardening, skiing at Big Tupper with her kids and friends, and visiting beautiful beaches.

Her adventurous spirit was never more evident than when she raced as a member of the fierce Tupper Lake woman’s war canoe team. Judy found great delight in paddling quiet, pristine lakes and admiring the splendid colors on a clear autumn day.

Her move to Montana only deepened her love for nature, as she fell for the “Griz” of the University of Montana and proudly shared her Griz paws tattoos, engraved on her arm forever.

Mom will be remembered for her infectious personality and her unique way of spreading joy. She had a knack for making everyone smile, often saying, “Always smile, it makes others wonder what you’re up to,” and “I need some more wine.” Her sense of humor and her ability to bring a smile to everyone's face will be greatly missed. Her delicious chicken and dumplings were “to die for and yummy” as well as her homemade cherry pie but only if she remembered to “add the juice that you have saved.”

Please raise a beverage of your choice to toast Mom on a life well lived. Mom will be cremated and her ashes spread at her favorite places. Thank you to the staff at The Living Centre for their care and concern for our mom.