Judith Dawn (Judy) Hamilton Pleskonko, 69, passed away Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, as a result of an automobile accident.
She was born in Columbus, Ohio, daughter of the late George H. Hamilton and Elizabeth M. (Robinson) Hamilton.
Judy graduated in 1971 from Penn Cambria High School in Cresson, and enrolled in Philipsburg State School of Nursing where she graduated in 1975. She later received her BSN in nursing from Penn State University.
Judy married Rodger Lane Pleskonko in Williamsport on July 9, 1976.
Judy is survived by her husband (Rodger) of 47 years daughter Amy (Troy) Butler of Philipsburg; son George (Heather) Pleskonko of State College; and grandsons Braedon Butler (fiancé Tessa Reams), Trent Butler and Aiden Pleskonko. Judy’s grandsons were the loves of her life.
She is also survived by brother George (Sandra) Hamilton of Dover, Del.; and sisters, Annamae Guinivan and Joan (Robert) Sloan of Cresson, and Nancy (Greg) Ellis of Altoona; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by a brother, Michael (Sandra) Saunders of Douglasville.
During her career in the health and emergency response field, Judy held positions as Deputy Coroner and later Chief Deputy Coroner of Centre County, and was a nurse in the emergency departments of Mount Nittany Medical Center and Philipsburg State General Hospital.
Judy was involved with establishing the Sexual Assault Forensics examiners program locally and had continued to be involved in this program. Judy was an active member of the PA Coroner’s Association and the PA Coroner’s Ways and Means Committee. Judy led the child death review team in her region and was a member of the American Board of Medico Legal Death Investigators. Judy was one of the first recipients of the Hero Award given during Central PA 4th Fest honoring her contributions to the community. At one time, Judy was active with the local search and rescue program and was an active volunteer with many health and service organizations. Judy was currently president of the board of directors at Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services and a member of the Philipsburg Elks.
Donations in Judy’s honor can be made to Moshannon Valley EMS, 14 W Locust St., Philipsburg, PA 16866; Centre Foundation, 1377 Ridge Master Dr., State College, PA 16803 (centrefoundation.org – note Judy Pleskonko Fund); or to The Rowland Theatre, 127 N. Front St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.
Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and will be sadly missed by all who worked with her or knew her kindness.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023 at the Rowland Theater in Philipsburg at 6 p.m. The family will be received from 4 to 6 p.m.
The service will be conducted by lay speaker for United Methodist Church, Mr. Fredrick Ferguson.
A Nightingale Service will be provided by the Central Pennsylvania Nurses Honor Guard.
The Reed Funeral Home of Houtzdale is in charge of the arrangements.