Princeton Resident Leaves $1.3M Estate To Advance Navajo Education

PRINCETON, NJ — A Princeton woman and long-time New Jersey state employee has left her $1.3 million estate to support educational opportunities for members of the Navajo Nation.

Judith Ceccoli Colnaghi died in 2020 at age 78. Her estate was only recently settled. A graduate scholarship fund has been set up at the University of New Mexico.

Ceccoli Colnaghi worked as a management consultant for various state departments for more than 25 years. She traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Mexico.

According to those close to her, Ceccoli Colnaghi developed a deep empathy for Navajo people. Her dream was to help Navajo people complete graduate degrees in law or medicine and then support their communities.

“The transformative Judith Ceccoli Endowed Navajo Graduate Scholarship Fund will ensure that The University of New Mexico attracts, retains, and supports graduate level students from the Navajo Nation who want to serve their communities after graduation,” Bonnie McLeskey, Associate Vice President of Planned Giving, The University of New Mexico Foundation, said in a statement.

Although her friends were not aware of Ceccoli Colnaghi’s bequest until after death, they were not surprised to learn of her generosity.

“Judith was financially resourceful, and she was a wise investor,” said Marilyn Blazovsky, a colleague and friend for 40 years.

“She was concerned about leaving a legacy, and she had developed a deep respect for members of the Navajo Nation. Supporting education was meaningful to her, and I think at the end of her life she deprived herself of better care to leave that legacy. And throughout her illness, she recognized the importance of access to good health care.”

Ceccoli Colnaghi was diagnosed with Lupus while in graduate school and lived with the condition for 50 years.

Ceccoli Colnaghi lived in Princeton for many years, but also lived in Ewing and San Diego, California. She received her BS degree in psychology from Penn State University and a MA degree in public administration from Rider University, Lawrenceville.

“Judith was generous to her friends and family and has that legacy,” said Diane Zompa, a friend of many years. “This gift enables her legacy to also live on in young people who will be able to enrich their education and their communities.”

If you're interested in contributing to the Judith Ceccoli Endowed Navajo Graduate Scholarship Fund, click here.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com