Judith “Judy'” Hughes Sample, 80, of Bethlehem, passed away July 15, 2021 at Kirkland Village, Bethlehem after a long illness. She was born October 20, 1940 in Hazleton, PA to Kathryn G. Croft and Foster W. Hughes. She worked for fifty years as a Registered Nurse. A 1958 graduate from Hazleton Senior High School, she received her degree from the Allentown School of Nursing in 1961, and attended Columbia University Teachers College. She worked as a nurse at the New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center; Memorial Sloan Kettering; the UCLA Hospital Neuropsychiatric Center; The White Haven Center; The Easton Home; and the Allentown State Hospital before retiring in 2010.
Judy was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Easton, and a Musikfest volunteer for 12 years. She was a talented craftsperson making numerous beautiful, meticulously knitted and sewn projects, and was especially known for making wonderful things for her grandchildren. She made countless items that she donated. In addition to knitting, she loved to sew, read, garden, attend Broadway shows, and she participated in Zumba and Yoga classes until she was 78 years old, and traveled extensively taking many ocean and river cruises with her husband. Most recently, she was a member of Kirkland Village’s knitting circle and took up a watercolor class this past spring. She loved her family, and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, LeRoy “Lee” H. Sample, Jr., her daughter Hilary, son-in-law Michael, two grandchildren Alice and James all from Manhattan, and several nieces and nephews. Her beloved sister Nancy Hughes Ford passed away in 1994.
A Memorial Service will be held 1 PM Thursday (July 22) at the Kirkland Village Auditorium, 1 Kirkland Village Circle, Bethlehem, PA. Interment will be private in Grandview Cemetery, Allentown. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to assist the family in purchasing a high-low examination table for the Kirkland Village Wellness Center in Judith’s memory. Donations may be made to : Kirkland Village – Judith Sample Memorial and mailed to PSL, 1 Trinity Drive East / Suite 201, Dillsburg, PA 17019.
Eileen Brenner
July 18, 2021 at 11:48 am
Personally & on behalf of the graduating class of HHS 58, Hazleton, PA, sincere condolences to the Sample family. Lee, it is with deep sadness I write to you and your family. Judy will be missed. Eileen
Debbie Krausd
July 18, 2021 at 7:44 pm
To Judy’s family,
Our deepest sympathy on Judy’s passing.
We both worked with Judy at ASH. Judy
was a very kind and caring person. We stayed in touch on FB sharing our lives. She loved her grandchildren! I loved seeing the pics. She knew I loved the beach and I am so happy she knitted me a beach yarn winter hat. Along with a few gnomes too. I will treasure them always. Debbie & Jeff Krauss
Alan and Marty Schaeffer
July 19, 2021 at 10:44 am
Lee and Hilary, we were saddened to hear about Judy’s passing. Loved seeing all the postings on Facebook. Lots of wonderful memories to celebrate prayers for you all
Marty and Alan Schaeffer
Harriet Dufton
July 20, 2021 at 8:18 am
I was surprised and saddened to read of Judy’s death. I got to know Judy in yoga class, and we bonded over mutual interests. I enjoyed hearing about your cruise adventures. Judy loved to talk about the grandchildren and daughter’s remarkable achievements. She was very proud of you all. Judy was a great lady, and I know you have many wonderful memories of her.
Julianne Kubitsky
July 22, 2021 at 11:52 am
To Judy’s family
I am very sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. We got to know each other at the hospital and always kept in touch. She helped me make my grandson’s baby blanket. We talked all the time about our children and grandchildren. We were both from the coal region and connected on many levels. She told me after she got sick how Lee was so good to her. I miss you my friend.