Judith Ann Schiller

Judith Ann Schiller (nee Horstmann), long time resident of Pearl River, NY passed away on October 6, 2023 surrounded by her beloved children. She was 85 years old. She is survived by her three children, Holly (David) Gallet, Andrea (Chris) O'Meara, and Matthew (Maura) Schiller, and her 12 adoring grandchildren - Chloe, Alexander & Emma Gallet, Colin, Billy, Taylor & Ashley O’Meara, and Madeline, Grace, Matthew, Sam & Faith Schiller.  She was predeceased by her loving husband of more than 60 years, Stephen Schiller, and her brother Richard Horstmann (Dawn). 

Judy grew up in Pearl River and attended Farmingdale State College on Long Island where she met her future husband Steve, the love of her life. Judy worked as an assistant at Douglas Elliman and later Lehn & Fink, where her creativity and style were much admired. Like many women of her generation, she retired from work early to raise her family, residing first in Huntington on Long Island and later returning to her hometown of Pearl River, where she was a proud resident for the last 40 years. After raising her family she worked as the assistant to the Athletic Director of Rockland Community College, where she helped run their summer camp athletic program.

Judy was an accomplished artist and enjoyed spending her free time oil painting, designing water-color landscapes, and creating dried floral arrangements. She particularly loved spending time at her family cabin in the Catskill Mountains, hiking through the woods and admiring fall foliage. She shared her love of flowers and nature with Steve, who was a landscape designer. Judy loved to travel, having many adventures including trips to Costa Rica, England, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, France, Bermuda and Aruba. She was game for any adventure and rarely said no to an invitation that took her somewhere new. During her retirement she spent winters in Fort Myers, Florida, where she was able to enjoy time with Steve’s sisters and many of her nieces and nephews. Judy was a devoted parishioner at Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for a combined 60 plus years. At Nauraushaun, she and Steve built a great community of friends, and helped many people less fortunate through their charitable endeavors.

Judy’s children and grandchildren were her greatest passion. Her days revolved around what she could do to help them. Whether it was watching their sporting events, school plays or attending their birthday celebrations, she never missed an opportunity to be a part of their lives. Her kids and grandkids adored their “ganny” and spent many hours baking cookies, creating art projects and snuggling in her loving arms. She relished the holidays and the many family traditions surrounding them, spending hours cooking, baking, and shopping in hopes of finding the perfect gift for her cherished grandchildren. Her giant heart and love for her family was unparalleled.  She was extraordinarily complimentary of others and always so grateful, thankful and kind.

Judy was a beautiful soul who touched many people in her lifetime. She will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.

A Memorial Service celebrating Judy's life will be held at Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 14 at 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judy's memory to Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, 51 Sickletown Road, Pearl River, NY 10965, or the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health (www.johnritterfoundation.org)

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