Judy Ann Nelson, born December 17, 1944, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at Citizens Care Center in Havre de Grace, Maryland. While her passing leaves a profound sense of loss, her family and friends celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the countless ways she touched others with her warmth, resilience, and unwavering love.

Judy's life was a testament to perseverance, devotion, and faith. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose gentle spirit and compassionate heart left an enduring impression on everyone she met. Her greatest joy was found in caring for her family and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

As a homemaker, Judy devoted herself to raising her children and nurturing her family. After her children were grown, she pursued her desire to help others by attending Harford Community College, where she earned her certification as a nursing assistant. She worked at Harford Memorial Hospital for approximately five years, faithfully serving patients and coworkers with kindness and compassion.

Nearly forty years ago, Judy's life changed dramatically when she underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. Though the surgery was successful, it marked the beginning of a long and difficult journey with declining health. Despite the many challenges she faced over the decades that followed, Judy continued to demonstrate remarkable strength, grace, and determination. She remained a source of encouragement to her family and an example of enduring faith through adversity.

Judy is survived by her children: John Ferrara and his wife Karen; Lisa Ferrara; Richard Ferrara and his wife, Jennifer; and David Ferrara and his wife, Jill. She is also survived by her former husbands, Domenico Ferrara and Stanley Nelson.

Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Angela Ferrara; Gina Yoakum-Leonard and her husband, Shane; Nina Adeuja and her husband, Christopher; the late Sara Long; Nicholas Ferrara and his wife, Regan; Kyley Ferrara; Garron Ferrara; and Siena Ferrara. She was blessed to see the next generation grow through her great-grandchildren: Emily Waugh, Kyrin Waugh, Lucas Yoakum, Maeve Ferrara, and June Ferrara.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Helen Wise; her sister, Peggy Cox; and her granddaughter, Sara Long.

Family gatherings were made brighter by Judy's infectious laughter, gentle guidance, and loving presence. She celebrated every milestone with genuine joy and offered comfort during life's most difficult moments. She instilled in her family the values of empathy, perseverance, and unconditional love-lessons that will continue to guide generations to come.

Judy expressed her love in countless tangible ways. With gifted hands and a servant's heart, she lovingly hand-sewed quilts for each of her grandchildren and many of her great-grandchildren until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Christmas held a special place in her heart, and each child treasured the handmade Christmas stockings she created for them-cherished reminders of her love that will continue to hang in homes and hearts for generations to come.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures. Judy loved preserving memories through photographs, watching trains pass by, and spending time with those she loved. Around Havre de Grace, many knew her as the lady in the wheelchair accompanied by her beloved toy poodle, Pierre. She delighted in Christmas movies, classic television shows, and camping trips with family.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. Through every difficult day, she trusted that the Lord had a purpose for her life and that He always had her best in mind. Her unwavering faith sustained her and became a testimony to all who knew her.

Judy treasured the fellowship she found through Bible study, especially the women's class at Oak Grove Baptist Church. She often spoke with others about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and desired that everyone-especially her family-would come to know the same Savior she loved and trusted throughout her life. Conversations about Heaven brought her great comfort and joy, and she looked forward with anticipation to the day she would be with her Lord.

Though Judy Ann Nelson will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing that she is now whole and healed in the presence of Jesus Christ. Her spirit lives on in the stories shared around family tables, in the traditions she passed down, in the quilts that warm her loved ones, and in the stockings that will continue to adorn Christmas celebrations for years to come.

Her life reminds us that true strength is often found not in the absence of hardship, but in the courage to continue with grace, faith, and love. Above all, Judy would want her family and friends to know the hope she carried throughout her life: that through faith in Jesus Christ, separation is not forever, and one day, we will see her again.

The celebration of Judy's life will include a public viewing at Oak Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.