Obituary- Judith L. Smith (nee Zell)
Judith L. Smith (nee Zell) passed away Saturday April 6, 2024, at Geisinger Medical Center. After a brave struggle to overcome the effects of several strokes, she succumbed to her injuries. Judy is survived by her daughter Christina Tetanich, her son Jason Bitner, her granddaughter Alida Spring Bitner, her daughter-in-law Larcy Bitner, Larcy’s mother Aida
DeGuzman, her remaining sister Jan Zell Scerbo, and many nieces and nephews. Her siblings Jere Zell Crissman and Larry Zell preceded her in death. Judy was born in Lock Haven in 1941 and was the youngest daughter of Gladys Weaver Zell and Walter Dale Zell. Judy was a graduate of Lock Haven High School in the class of 1959. She graduated from Lock Haven University in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Judy was a teacher and taught for many years at Bald Eagle Nittany High School. She loved her job and often regaled her family with funny stories about “her kids.” Some of her best times to talk about where about the Ski Club and Yearbook Club that she was staff director of. Judy’s early years were spent with her father and siblings living with her grandparents Charles and Violet Zell. They lived in a large brick house along Pine Creek. She spent many years making wonderful memories of times along the Creek. The joyful memories of these years living with her grandparents permeated the rest of her life. Judy was many things. She was a loving mother (with a wild side), a sister (with a feisty side), a fun aunt, and a friend. Judy was also an active member at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in her earlier years. She was an avid reader and loved British television shows especially Keeping Up Appearances and Death in Paradise. She was highly creative and enjoyed sewing, knitting, cross stitch and was a phenomenal cook.
Judy loved her life, she loved her family, and was looking forward to new adventures on the other side. We believe her first stop on the other side will be to the Rainbow Bridge to greet Jasper, Hobbes, and Lizzy, her beloved pets. God speed Judy. Know that your family will miss you.
Online thoughts and memories can be made at www.GedonFuneralHomes.com or the Gedon Funeral Home Facebook Page.
