Judith Hoyt Dorn, 78, of Ocean Township, formerly of Little Silver, died peacefully at home on January 11 after a long illness. Born in Rumson, NJ, she graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven High School and the University of Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene program.
Throughout her career as a hygienist, she worked for several local practices, most recently with Drs. Gardiner and DiTuri in Shrewsbury.
Judy was known for her warm personality and giving heart, regularly putting herself before others. Over the years, she volunteered with the Little Silver First Aid Squad; at the Red Bank Salvation Army; and as a Reading Buddy at the Red Bank Primary School.
A member of the First Presbyterian Church at Rumson for her entire life, Judy enjoyed the fellowship and faith the church community shared. Her hours of volunteer work with the church and its community reflect the strong faith she carried throughout her life.
She loved tending her flower and vegetable gardens, and summer after summer she shared bushels of veggies with friends and family. She treasured time with her many friends, whether playing tennis, enjoying the beach in Sea Bright, or just sharing a cup of (black) coffee and breakfast.
Judy’s greatest role was as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a Brownie troop leader, room mother, PTO president, and RBR booster. She rarely missed a chance to cheer on her daughters – and, later, grandchildren – at sporting events, recitals, school programs, or graduations. She and the warm home she created served as the hub for family events of all kinds, most notably her epic Thanksgivings for extended family. Judy adored her four grandchildren, who knew her as Pipsie, and they could always count on her for birthday parties, pool time, or simply having fun playing, baking, or reading.
Whether caring for family pets, thrilling at the sight of a hummingbird at her deck feeder, or trying to pet every dog she met on a trip to Alaska, Judy’s heart embraced all creatures, especially those who needed love the most.
She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, ready smile, and wonderful hugs.
Judy was predeceased by a sister, Sarah B. Robison; and a brother, Andrew Hoyt. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Daniel W. Dorn, Jr.; three appreciative daughters, Cassandra Dorn (Donna Maerz) of West Long Branch; Nancy Smith (Michael) of Little Silver; and Sarah Wichilfil (Steven) of Ocean; four grandchildren, Avery and Hoyt Smith and Ada and Fin’ian Wichilfil; her sister, Cornelia Drew of Mount Pleasant, SC; and eight nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 5, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church at Rumson, with a Celebration of Life to follow at The Raven and the Peach, Fair Haven.
Donations to commemorate Judy’s life can be made to the Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls (ahsppz.org). Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
