Judith Helen (Oppenheimer) Swayze was born on August 5, 1947, to Burton and Elinor (Heim) Oppenheimer in Newark, NJ. Judi peacefully passed on May 13, 2021 at Hackettstown Medical Center while being “virtually” surrounded by loved ones!

She is survived by her husband and soul mate of 45 years, David Swayze, daughters, Christine (Alegria), Laurie (Rapisardi), sister Linda (Haggerty), grandchildren David, Amanda, Ashleigh and Alyssia and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Judi moved to Hackettstown in 1964 and later graduated as a proud Hackettstown High School Tiger.

Judi worked for Picatinny Arsenal for many years as well as Roxbury Medical Group and Adecco (Olsten) Staffing. She loved to work and had a true passion and commitment to all that she did.

She later attended County College of Morris where she earned an Associate’s Degree, while graduating alongside of her daughters.

Judi’s biggest love and accomplishments were her family! She adored spending countless hours with her family on vacations to LBI, Florida (Disney), Hawaii, Myrtle Beach and so much more. Judi used to say that we would be happy in a cardboard box….as long as we were all together.

She adored her sister Linda and they spent countless hours together laughing and sharing their many years together.

Judi and Dave retired in 2002. During their retirement, they loved to travel and spend time with the family. They also enjoyed playing dominos, researching their family histories thru ancestry, and just being together.

Her daughters Christine and Laurie were lights in her life who were more than just a mother-daughter relationship, they were best friends.

One of her greatest joys was experiencing life through her adored grandchildren. Whether it was the many sporting events, chorus concerts, or just “chatting”, she loved every moment she spent with them.

Judi had an amazing connection with ALL people. She lit up every room when she walked in. She could strike up a conversation with a stranger and end that conversation with an “I love you”, and she truly meant it. One of her true gifts and passions was reading and writing. She loved her books and even more, loved to write cards. Her words were powerful and magical. People would say “you have a way of words and your words make people feel special”. That was Judi, very special!

She had a very strong faith and was a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Hackettstown. Prior to that, she was a member and very involved in the Presbyterian Church in Flanders.

Judi was a beautiful soul that had a heart of gold. Anyone who met Judi knew that she was special. So friendly, kind, caring, and an all-around shining star. She was always there with a helping hand and an understanding ear; that’s who she was. Judi loved to laugh, enjoyed the beach, and most of all, loved and cherished her family. She adored each and every one of them with all of her heart. Judi lived her life to the fullest and always felt so grateful to be so blessed. A life well lived! Judi will live on in all of our hearts forever!

A Visitation will be held on  Monday, May 17 from 4 – 8 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J..

The funeral will be held 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 18 at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J. with Rev. Donald Gebhard officiating.   Burial will be in Pequest Union Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Great meadows, NJ, following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 or to Trinity United Methodist Church, 213 Main Street, Hackettstown, N.J. 07840 in memory of Judith.