Judith (Gorsky) VanCampen

Judith Gorsky VanCampen, 79 passed away at Cayuga Medical Center, on December 3. Judy grew up in Cohoes, NY and graduated from Cohoes High School.

After graduation Judy attended Russell Sage College in Troy, NY and did graduate work at Hofstra and Cornell Universities and received her teaching certification.  Judy moved to Ithaca, NY and began teaching at DeWitt Junior High School.  She was the school’s typing teacher and taught hundreds of students including her son, two nieces and nephew. She eventually moved down to Ithaca High School and taught Business Math, Business Law, and Computers. She was with Ithaca Public Schools for over 30 years before she retired.

Judy is survived by her husband Darrell; her son, John (Debbie) Tassone; and stepsons, Anthony (Valerie) VanCampen and Brian VanCampen.  She also leaves behind her brother, John (Anne) Gorsky; and her nieces, Lynda Gorsky and Jackie (John) Mandyck and nephew, Jeff (Karen) Gorsky.  She adored her two grandchildren, Jackson and Annalise Tassone and her great nieces and nephews, Sam, Colleen, Jack, Cassidy, Maddy, Graceann, McKenzie and Greg.

Judy is predeceased by her parents, Helen and John Gorsky and her sister, Jacqueline.

Judy and Darrell lived in Ithaca and spent the winters in Tequesta, Florida.  For several years Judy served as president of “Little Club” in her residential community. She was an avid golfer, in Ithaca and Tequesta and we were all jealous of her drives right down the middle of the fairway.

Judy shared a special bond with many of her former students and will forever be known as “Aunt Judy”, “AJ” or “Ms. V”. She will be remembered for her grape jelly, canned tomatoes, and apple sauce.  She leaves an empty seat in the stands for athletic games and dance performances. Judy was never shy about offering referees her advice on calls or letting her grandchildren and great nieces/nephews know how amazing they are. She sent the best college room decorating boxes for every holiday. We will miss her ribbon Jello and her spirited love for us all.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca, NY. Calling hours will be Friday, December 10th from 2-3pm at the funeral home. There will be a brief service at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (www.wvrf.org).

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