Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
OGDENSBURG -- A Memorial Service for Judith A. Derenberger, age 84, of Ogdensburg, will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday (Oct 10, 2026) at Fox & Murray Funeral Home, with Lay Speaker Donna Clark officiating.
Visitation will be held prior from 11:00am until the time of the service.
Judy passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by loving nieces and nephews who meant so much to her.
She is survived by nieces and nephews Catherine Giglio, Patricia Kirchmaier (Brian), , David (Heather) Giglio, , Michael (Mary Ellen) Giglio, Joel Giglio, Lisa (Lee)Hopkins, Moravia, Andrea Perkins, Groton, Tia (Jan) Derenberger, Tad (Alison) Derenberger, and Sue (Brett) Leonhardt, grandnieces and grandnephews Tia (Katie) Kirchmaier, Zachary (Gabrielle) Giglio, Rosanna (Brian) Douglas, Joe (Gabrielle) Giglio, Natalie (Paige) Giglio, Leslie Hopkins and Scott DeWitt, Luke (Julie) Hopkins, Mikayla (Scott) Dexter, Mike (Mikayla) Perkins, Mckenzie Perkins, Madalyn Perkins, Tad, Tess, Thomas and Tyson Derenberger, and Seth Leonhardt. She also has seventeen great grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her mother Floy Strunk Derenberger, siblings Wilburna Giglio, William Derenberger, Marie Bailey, and Leroy Derenberger, brother-in-law Joseph Giglio, sister-in-law Patrica Derenberger, and her loving partner of 38 years, Shirley Thompson.
Judy was always a lover of dogs and was predeceased by Fang, Flossie, Chauncey, Bonnie Blue, and Eppie, and was grateful for all of the dogs of family and friends who visited often.
Born on October 10, 1941, in Ogdensburg, Judy was the daughter of the late William and Floy (Strunk) Derenberger.
She was a 1959 graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy and continued her education at Spencer School of Business School to become a court reporter.
She began her career in the NYS Department of Labor in Rochester before heading to Washington DC to work at Hart and Hawkins as a court reporter for two years before starting her own company, Derenberger Reporting Company in Bethesda MD which she owned from 1967-1991. The company covered the court systems in DC, Maryland and Virginia as well as the US Senate Subcommittee.
Judy was a woman of determination, independence, and strong character. She was the founding member of the Greater Washington Reporters Assn., DC.
She was a trustee at her Lewes Presbyterian Church, and the National Local Arrangements Chairperson NRSA, Washington DC.
Judy loved to vacation in Lewes, Delaware and moved there permanently after retirement. Her post-retirement passion started with the renovation of a historical barbershop, and later to renovating condominiums in Florida and led to her designing and building a home for family and friends to visit, and they did!
She loved to entertain in her home and at local establishments. She always loved music and hosted many events where music and singing were central to the event.
While Judy was proud of her career and accomplishments, and loved city life, she was always drawn back to the St Lawrence River and the simple pleasures and family.
She loved being on the river and swam daily until three years ago. She enjoyed the sunsets and still was playing My ship, I claim it!
Judy loved watching professional women's basketball and enthusiastically cheering on her favorite football teams. She also followed the grandnieces and grandnephews football, hockey, and basketball games. She could often be found enjoying court shows on television.
Above all, Judy cherished her family. Her siblings, nieces and nephews held a very special place in her heart, and she treasured the time they spent together.
She had a way of making family gatherings, conversations, and ordinary moments special. Those who knew and loved Judy will remember her independent spirit, her unique personality, her love of animals and sports, and the warmth she brought to the lives of those around her.
Though she will be deeply missed, Judy leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring comfort and smiles to those who were fortunate enough to know and love her, and stories that will be told for decades.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, Morristown Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and Alzheimer’s Association Central New York Chapter.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
