Judith E. McCandless (83) passed away peacefully at her home in Mt. Arlington, New Jersey, on May 13, 2021. Judy had a smile that lit up a room and made everyone feel welcome in her presence. In her late teens, it was that smile and blonde braids that first got the attention of her beloved husband, William A. McCandless. Married for 65 years, Judy and Bill built a beautiful, loving life with their three children.

Family first, Judy loved being a mother and later a Nana to five granddaughters and great-grandmother. She looked forward to family gatherings and holidays, often baking delicious dishes, telling stories of her youth, and laughing along with her family. Possibly not missed by many this Thanksgiving except for Uncle Billy – her famous Jell-O mold (lol).

Bill and Judy spent many summers traveling by boat to places like Baltimore Inner Harbor, Martha’s Vineyards and Albany, New York, making sea salt air memories and life-long friendships. They would often get together with friends from their youth to laugh and remember the good ole days while playing Pinochle, Uno, or Chinese Checkers.

Judy was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of East Hanover for many years including being a past member of the ‘Session’. On Sundays she could be found in the pews singing along to the hymns, including her favorite, ‘In the Garden.’

In her later years, Judy enjoyed long conversations with friends and neighbors, hearing from her grandchildren, reading, being the family historian and most importantly, meeting her great-grandchildren. She loved to brag about her grandchildren and the lives they were leading. As the author of this obituary, she would often tell me how much she was proud of them and all the good the future held for them.

Judy was predeceased by her parents, Eleanor and William Pfeifer, and her brother, who passed as a teenager from cancer.

She is survived by her husband, William A. McCandless. Her children – Lori Joost, her husband Ron; Lenore Schaller, her partner John DeGroat; William McCandless, his wife Martha. Her grandchildren – Judy Joost; Cheryl Schoder, her husband Greg; Danielle McCandless; Emily Schaller, her fiancé Jeremy King; Molly Schaller; and Lorraine Sheppard, her husband, Michael. And lastly, her four great-grandchildren.

Judy’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 22nd with visitation at 11:00 AM followed by a service at 12:00 PM at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, New Jersey. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at https://cochranfuneral.com/obituaries-list/

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory, to the American Cancer Society, would be greatly appreciated.