Pike - Judith “Judy” Margo Burgess Gardner of Pike has relocated her baby hat knitting services and family guardian enterprises to her new residence in heaven. She plans to occupy her free time dancing with her beloved Charles “Charlie” Gardner who, on December 8, 2023, went ahead to prepare for her arrival.
Born on November 6, 1937, to Glenn “Bud” Burgess and Virginia Eldridge Burgess, Judy grew up in Fillmore with her brothers Glenn “Spud” of Fillmore, and Anthony and Michael with whom she has reunited.
A deeply cherished wife and mother, Judy’s truest calling began on May 13, 1955 when she married Charlie. Over the next 68 years they built a strong and loving family welcoming children Stephanie (Marv) Smith of Chaparral, New Mexico, Tammy (Kip) Falkner of Gainesville, Josh (Judy) Gardner of Warsaw, Christie (Stephen) Gerasimchik of Deland, Florida, Valerie Gardner of Pike, and Darcie Jo Gardner who predeceased in infancy. “Grandma Dear” is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Judy entered the formal workforce at Pike Elementary School and moved on to Wyoming County Community Hospital where she served for many years before retiring in 2000. Never one to condone idle hands, Judy’s boundless creativity and work ethic yielded quality sewing, craft and knitting projects. So prolific was her artistic drive that she ran her “Judy’s Shirts” home business for several years. An incredibly generous soul, Judy donated her signature knitted baby hats (over 2,200!) along with other handmade infant essentials to local hospitals.
Judy would tell us “No Whining”, get our feet under us, and carry on in a manner that won’t keep us out of heaven.
Family and friends may gather from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Gainesville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crazy Country Kids 4H, PO Box 6, Pike, NY 14130 and Pike Rescue Squad, PO Box 58, Pike, NY 14130
Online condolences may be made at: www.koplerwilliamsfuneralhome.com.
