Judith Elaine Freedman

Freedman – Judith Elaine, 69, Cover Hill, went to be with the Lord on March 29, 2024 at Windber Hospice. Born in Johnstown, daughter of William J. and Dorothie G. Zett. Preceded in death by her parents; sister, Donna L. Fellows; nephew, William Zett III, and brothers-in-law, Thomas F. Hayduk, Illario Vastano. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Paul T. Freedman; siblings, Barbara A. Zett, William J. Zett Jr., married to the former Barbara J. Majerski, Catherine J. Hayduk, and David A. Zett, and his companion, Cris Beatty, all of Johnstown; sisters-in-law, Donna Freedman, Musile di Piave Italy, Eileen Anderson, Sharon Pa; brother-in-law, Dion Freedman, married to the former Terri Nagorski, Phoenix Maryland, and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Judy was a 1972 graduate of Johnstown High School. She had many careers: a stenographer, FEMA disaster worker, the photo editor of UPJ school newspaper. Judith was a professional art photographer and operated her own developing lab.  Judy was the 1st woman field videographer for WJAC in 1986 while graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a under-graduate degree in Journalism. She was inspired by her filming and interviews of Joan Jett and Joe Negri. Later Judy created, edited, and filmed tv ads of local businesses and events for Cablevision in Johnstown.  She worked in the audio-visual department at UPJ, then later as the Distance Learning coordinator with the Pitt main campus Social Studies and Psychology Master Degree program. Judith then was employed as the International Studies coordinator, and finally as the Study Abroad Advisor. In year 2000, she earned a Masters of Arts in Adult and Community Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She was a member of the IUP Epsilon P Chapter Phi Delta Kappa, a professional fraternity. She retired from UPJ after 21 years of service. Judy enjoyed years of  growing and planting flowers and vegetables from seeds and creating arrangements for Schrader’s Flower Shop on Vine St. She loved camping at Lake Raystown with her husband Paul and her golden poodle/doodle puppy Bodhi. Judy and Paul met at Bheam School playground playing racquetball. Later playing and competing in local racquetball tournaments. Also, in the 90's, Judy enjoyed e-biking and white water kayaking before they were in vogue. She made a lot of Canadian friends at Panama City Beach and North Myrtle Beach as a snow bird after she retired 7 years ago.  Judy  enjoyed listening to Smooth jazz music and especially Brazilian sambas and Bossa Novas of the 60's.  Judith really enjoyed self guided traveling throughout Europe, Africa, Eurasia, and of course in the North American national parks. She loved spending time playing pinochle with her family and enjoying home cooked Sunday meals at the Zett farm. Judy will be fondly remembered for her welcoming smile, her lively conversations, and spunky nature.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until time of service at noon on Saturday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with the Rev. Father Charles Amershek. Private inurnment will be at St. Francis Cemetery. The family suggests contributions be directed to Sandyvale Dog Park, 80 Hickory St, Johnstown, PA 15902, or Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave, Windber, PA 15963 or to the Family House, 5308 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 in memory of Judy. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. Cremation by Laurel Highlands Crematory at Harris Funeral Home.