In Memoriam: Judi Koestenblatt

LONG VALLEY, NJ— Judi Koestenblatt, 67, called a cease fire in her battle with cancer on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, surrounded by family members. She fought the disease twice in her lifetime; first in 2003, and again from 2009 until her final day. Her bravery was unrelenting, as she never let the disease define her or how she lived.

Born in Queens, New York on Oct. 4, 1949, Judi was the daughter of Austrian emigrants Trude and Max Koestenblatt, and was the youngest of three children. A self-proclaimed "child of the '60s," Judi loved to reminisce about the fun she had traveling the country with friends, her adventures and, of course, that historic weekend in Woodstock, New York.

Judi moved to Washington Township with her son, Jason, in 1991. A working, single mother, she did everything in her power to make sure her only child never wanted for anything. Her work ethic was second to none, her support of those around her unbreakable.

She recently served as President of the Hackettstown Medical Center Women's Auxiliary, organizing the annual Tricky Tray and leading the organization in its yearly efforts to support the hospital. She was also an avid New York Mets fan, cheering them on during the seldom good times, and being sure to call them out during the more-than-often bad times, as all Mets fans do.

Most of all, Judi was known for the love she had for her three grandsons, the first of which came into the world just six weeks before her second diagnosis. She devoted the last seven years to them, providing an incomparable, unconditional love to her favorite people on earth. "Grammie" was always there to play, laugh, and give selflessly to her grandsons. Their bond is unbreakable, and they know she is looking down on all of us – and probably making a silly face.

She was always quick with a joke or sarcastic quip, and even quicker to help those she loved. She'll be remembered for her great sense of humor, courage, and optimistic outlook on life, even when times were tough.

Judi is predeceased by her parents, Max and Trude, and is survived by her brothers, Steven and Peter, sisters-in-law Evie and Carolyn, son Jason, daughter-in-law Nancy, grandsons Jacob, Micah, and David, and a vast support group of friends, neighbors, and colleagues. A memorial service will be held on January 2, 2017, from 12 to 3 p.m. in the Gene C. Milton Conference Center at Hackettstown Medical Center, 651 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the HMC Auxiliary, c/o Valerie Mc Grory, 651 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

The Koestenblatt family would like to thank the tremendous staff at Hackettstown Medical Center for their support in recent months, especially during Judi's final days.

Image via Jason Koestenblatt