Judith E. Davenport

Judith Elaine Davenport (“Judy” to friends and family) passed away after a brief illness on December 26, 2023, at the age of 84. She was born in Delphi Falls, NY on July 2, 1939, to James B. and Jane M. (Ryder) Davenport. She is survived by her sisters, JoAnn Antil and Christine Jerew, and predeceased by sister Patricia Parsons.

Judy worked at New Process Gear for 28 years. In 1993 she purchased the home she loved so dearly on Lyndale Court and she lived there happily for 30 years. She loved thrifting, gift-giving, gardening, and her cats. Judy loved to meet and talk to new people. She explored the world with trips to Canada, Italy, and The United Kingdom. She also traveled to many places across the United States visiting her sister Patsy and other family. Kind nearly to a fault, Judy embodied the famed Ryder qualities of generosity and warm-heartedness. She often bestowed her kindness on her many nieces and nephews.

Her sister JoAnn lovingly remembers, “Judy was always generous and often dropped by with gifts. She would bring slips of forsythia and lilacs. Once she brought me a Japanese Maple. Each fall, the two of us would admire its bright and colorful orange and red leaves. She brought me many tasty meals. Some she cooked, some from my favorite restaurants Burger King, Byrne Dairy, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. I also have many happy memories of taking the bus to the New York State Fair. We would walk amongst the many exhibits to ‘see the sights’; Each year we’d wait in the very long line to buy a tasty dollar baked potato.”

Her nephew Ryder fondly recalls, “I remember walking together with Judy on the Erie Canal towpath collecting cans and other treasures. I would love going junking/picking with Judy, whether it be at the Salvation Army, garage sales, antique shops, you name it. We liked to explore together. As a child, I remember her encouraging me to read and gifting me a book called The Ultimate Alphabet. I also recall finding a poetry book and Judy letting me read excerpts of different poems to her while relaxing. I vividly recall that once-in-a-lifetime trip over the border to Ottawa, Canada. Watching the changing of the guard, my first ride in a rickshaw. That time we got held up by customs (Judy had a suitcase full of produce), which always makes me laugh. Judy, you might be gone for now, but you will never be forgotten.”

Her niece Paige reminisces, “When my kids were little, we would visit Syracuse each year, usually in the summer. Judy knew all their favorite toys and had been scouting the local thrift stores to find them special treasures all year. She was always delighted to see Emma and Gus, and loved to play with them and listen to their stories.”

Judy’s kindness extended far beyond the bounds of her immediate family, and she will be missed greatly by all who loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her celebration of life which will be held on Saturday, March 23rd. Please email judy@parsons.org for more details.

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