Livonia: Judith Hyde-Panipinto, age 82 of Livonia, NY (previously of Bradenton, FL) passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020. Judith was born in Buffalo, NY but her family moved to Elba NY when she was very young. She was blessed to grow up in this small town, a community where a child could play outside all day without fear. A community where all looked after each other. She attended New York State Teachers College at Fredonia where she ultimately majored in music. This led to a career in the beginnings of music therapy for emotionally disturbed children. Judy was given the opportunity to help implement the ORFF methodology of music therapy at Convalescent Hospital for Children by then director Dr. Sydney Koret. With her career figured out Judy was able to navigate the ups and downs of life and raise five children. She met the love of her life later in life and equally loved and was proud of her five step-children as she was of her own children.
She was able to continue her love of music and to be a part of a tight knit community when she retired with her 2 nd husband, Joseph Panipinto, to Golf Lakes Estates in Bradenton, FL. Golf Lakes reminded her of the type of community where she grew up, where you know everyone’s name and help each other out. She was active with the singing groups, piano accompaniment at social hour, directing the chorus in the annual music show, to ultimately producing the annual musical show multiple times.
Predeceased by her 2 nd husband Joseph Panipinto, mother Laura Groves, father Donald Myers, daughter Teresa Smith, son Michael J Hyde, and brother-in-law J. Russell Thomas. She is survived by her long time companion John Roge of Chesterland OH; sister Kathleen Thomas of Rochester NY; children, Jerome Hyde of Tampa FL, Donald Hyde (Janice) of Conesus NY, and Christine Hyde of Livonia NY; step-children, John Panipinto (Joan), Michelle Coan, Kim Cleeves, Tracey Proctor, and Joey Little (John); and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family and friends will remember Judy for her unshakable faith and love of family, friends, music and being an active member of her community.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Judy’s life on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 from 12pm to 3pm at the Livonia Community Park at 6200 Big Tree Rd, Livonia NY. Memorials may be made to Crestwood Children’s Center in Rochester NY, Oneco United Methodist Church in Bradenton FL, or to Golf Lakes Estate in Bradenton Fl. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Judy and I worked together for many years at Convalescent Hospital for Children/Crestwood Children’s Center. Not only was she a music therapist, she instituted and ran the Primary Intervention Program (known as PIP) where she made hundreds of home visits to work with toddlers and their parents to ensure the children were getting the support they needed for healthy emotional development. I was the secretary in the Preschool Program where she worked and we became bosom buddies, sharing the challenges of working in a high-stress environment. After Judy retired and moved to Florida, we kept in touch for years. I visited her twice in Florida, and each time she came “home” to New York State, we got together. In the past years, I lost touch with her and wish I had known she was back in New York. I will cherish my memories of Judy, and I send my condolences to her family.
Your mom was a lovely woman and her dining room friends will miss all the fun discussions they had. They send their sympathy to you all.
Judy was the best step mom we could ask for. She was always supportive and loving. She and dad were a great pair. I last saw Judy about 5 years ago when I visited her in Florida. She is always in my thoughts. She will be missed