Judith Lacey

JUDY C. (WEISS) HETRICK LACEY

On Saturday evening, April 16, in the loving embrace of her husband and daughters, Judy slipped softly and quietly into the arms of the Lord after a long struggle with a relentless neurological disease.

Born in Erie, PA on March 13, 1947, Judith Carol Weiss was the first child of Harold and Emily (Forsyth) Weiss. A graduate of Millcreek High School (1965), she went on to study at Edinboro University prior to her first marriage.

A loving wife and mother, she devoted herself full-time to her family, and, when necessity later required, she returned to the work-force to maintain a home for her three daughters and to see them through their educations. She worked as a researcher at the Marine Bank until its merger with PNC, at which time she enrolled in a special Mercyhurst College program for Medical Assistants. She excelled, and upon completion was employed in the office of the noted cardiologist, Dr. George D’Angelo. Later she took a position at Verizon, where she was highly regarded for her skills, temperament and work ethic, and regularly cited for her excellence.

In 2002 she married Boston University Prof. William Lacey, also a native of Erie, and the couple returned to his New England home briefly. Following several splendid spring and fall residencies in Athens, Greece, to conclude his professional commitments there, the couple returned to Erie in 2004 to look after their respective mothers’ affairs and to share the joy of a growing number of grandchildren upon whom Judy was determined to lavish attention and love. A rare neurological disease intervened, however, and for the past nine years she soldiered on, never complaining, always somehow finding a smile of welcome, even as control of all her functions was slowly taken away. Her petite and fragile beauty, radiating an inherent sweetness, masked a spirit of great strength and generosity. She endured her long struggle with a courage, patience and grace that simply defied all expectation and will remain an inspiration to all who knew her.

In addition to her parents Judy was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Weiss. She is survived by her husband and by her three loving daughters: Jennifer Trott (Matthew), Laurie Huya (Wayne), Keri Gilson (Keith); by her husband’s daughter, Mary Lacey, and his sons William (Linda) and Timothy Lacey; and by her nine beloved grandchildren: Caden, Chelsie, and Kayla Gilson; Meghann and Madyson Huya; Steven and Garrett Trott andSean and Seth Mitchell.

The family wishes to express our gratitude and deep appreciation for the skilled and loving care Judy received from the nursing staff of St. Mary’s East during the last eighteen months, and to the VNA Hospice team for their comforting support and tender care during the final weeks of her struggle.

Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home at 3801 West 26th Street on Thursday, April 21st from 2:00PM until 4:00PM and 6:00PM until 8:00PM and Friday, April 22nd from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at the Burton Westlake Chapel. Private inurnment will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery.