Obituary of Judith M. Sherbunt

Judith M. Sherbunt, 78, of Amsterdam, New York, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024, at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born on June 5, 1945, in Johnstown to the late Anthony J. and Helene (Wilbur) Turrisi.

Judith attended Johnstown Schools and graduated from Johnstown High School in 1963 where she was the captain of the majorettes. Judith attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and FMCC after High School. She then went on to receive her Cosmetology Degree from the Gorham School of Beauty Culture in 1967. Judith was the current Active President of the David Wasserman Foundation.

On January 26, 1969, she was united in marriage to Norbert J. Sherbunt II. The couple shared 43 wonderful years together before his passing on August 6, 2012. Together they shared many loves and interests including family, music, and travel. They particularly enjoyed visiting the ocean and Maine.

Judith was an amazing woman of many talents. She was a gifted artist in the mediums of sketch drawing and oil painting; she wrote poetry and did many crafts from pottery, sewing, crocheting, and everything in between. She enjoyed the beauty of the four seasons and participated in activities during each season such as swimming, waterskiing, snow skiing, and gardening. She canned and pickled many of her garden’s treasures and she also made her own tomato sauce. She loved animals and was proud to have had far too many to mention throughout her beautiful life. Her most recent beloved 20-year-old calico cat, Samantha, was one of her biggest comforts. Later in life she became an avid poker player, and even won many championships along her journey.

Most importantly, Judith was a deeply loving and caring mother of her four children. There was nothing that she would not do for any of them. Her children were her life, and she poured all of her love into them.

Her loving family includes her children, Heather H. (Thomas) Decker, Holly B. Sherbunt-Cheney, Hillerie K. Sherbunt, and Norbert J. “NJ” (Jessica) Sherbunt III; her grandchildren, Rusty R. Decker, Elizabeth B. Cheney, Seth T. Decker, E. Anthony Cheney, and Mia Judith Sherbunt; her sister, Carole (Ramon) Turrisi Diaz; her faithful feline companion, Samantha; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Monday, February 12 from 1:00PM until 3:00PM at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY. A funeral service will follow the calling period at 3:00PM with Father Donald Czelusniak presiding. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Amsterdam Kitten Adoption, Inc. at Amsterdamkittens.org or to the Montgomery County SPCA, P.O. Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or online at www.mc-spca.com/support-us.