In the spring, on April 4th 1942, Julia “Judy” Enea Mroz was born to Lucy Covuoto Enea and Harry Enea Sr. The oldest of five children; Barbara Enea Cacciatore, Lucille Enea, Harry Enea Jr., and Vincent Enea. She grew up knowing the meaning of care and responsibility. She gave more than she took. She loved to take walks. By herself. With her friends. With her husband, William “Bill” Mroz. With her children, Karlee Mroz Tamburro (Joe Tamburro), Kristin Mroz Coleman (Mick Coleman), and Bryan Mroz (Mary Caputo Mroz). In Mohawk. In South Carolina. With her eight grandchildren, Alexandra Tamburro (Samantha Sagely), Grace Coleman (Timothy Ryan), Taylor Coleman Flagler (Jared Flagler), Kathryn Tamburro (JP Mailhot), Kendall Coleman McKenna (Kevin McKenna), Olivia Tamburro (Justin Kiesow), Robbie Mroz, and Breana Mroz. She always ran into someone she knew. Or waved and smiled at people who passed by.

As a family, we picture our “Judy the beauty,” who was everybody’s grandma, spending her last moments taking one more walk through her life. We know she saw what we have always seen; a life rich with love. With kindness. With purpose. With the many ways she made the world better simply by being herself.

She first learned to walk as a child while holding Harry and Lucy’s hands. Discovering the world around her. With each step, she picked up lessons she would carry for a lifetime. To care for others. To give what she could. And, to understand that a meaningful life is measured by what we give. Every lesson became part of who she was. And, in time, part of the legacy she left behind.

Her most famed walk was in Herkimer where she first saw Bill. She loved to share this memory with all of us. He winked at her when she looked back at him and the rest was history. They created a lifetime of love, family, and memories in Mohawk and Myrtle Beach.

Together, they opened two stores in Ilion; Gil’s and Grace’s Alli. One of which was funded with the money she won in Las Vegas; where she was so well known the hotel staff recognized when she changed her hair. Over the years, their family grew from their three children, to eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Elowen, Meadow, and Autumn Flagler; and Beck McKenna.

Throughout her life, she found countless ways to show her love. She expressed it through the meals she prepared. Making pancakes in the shape of Mickey Mouse. Sunday sauce. Chicken wings. Kahlua cake. Pignolata. A piece of her heart in every bite. There was always a place at the table for everyone. And, we mean everyone. Her many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and strangers. 76 Columbia Street was the place to be and the door, or a window, was always open.

She was creative. Made her own outfit to leave the hospital in after giving birth to her first child. A matching dress, coat, hat, shoes, and gloves. Always dressed to impress. She made beeswax candles and painted glass Coca-Cola bottles with her grandchildren. Crocheted and knitted. Every person who knew her may have been gifted one of her crocheted washcloths.

She loved to dance. Out on the town. In her living room. In her kitchen. Anywhere and with anyone. Often, you’d find one of her grandchildren standing on her feet, swaying along to the music, most likely an Elvis song. “Love Me Tender” was one of her favorites.

After the passing of her husband, Bill, her memory began to fade and daily life became more difficult. She lived with Alzheimer’s for eighteen years. Defying all odds like a true April Aries. Throughout the illness she remained sweet. And, towards the end, listening to “Peace in the Valley” by Elvis brought her a visible, encompassing calmness. She didn’t need to remember every name, or every moment, for her life to have meaning. We remember who she was. We remember what her life meant. And, we are now the keepers of her story.

She passed away on October 18th, 2026 surrounded by love. Among the treasures she leaves behind are the details that made her uniquely herself. Red geraniums in the summer. Carnations, her favorite flower. Peacock blue. Her Lily of the Valley signature scent. Beaded, flashy dresses. High heels. Reading a book in the sun. A great party. Holidays. Handwritten letters. Newspaper clippings. Heath bars in the cabinet. Making sure no one feels alone. A home cooked meal. A seat at the table. Slot machines. Dancing in the kitchen. Taking trips. The importance of having a good time.

Judy was a “people collector.” A true social butterfly who often ended up knowing a person on a flight with her. It’s impossible to name everyone; please remember she held you all in her heart.

We know that she is at peace with the life she lived. A life in which she had loved, given, learned, and left something beautiful behind. We hope she rests knowing that her story will continue. In every meal made. Every hand held. Every walk taken. And, every kindness offered without expectation.

Judy’s wishes for cremation will be honored, and there will be no formal funeral services. After so many years of caring for her and grieving alongside her, our family will spend time together privately, remembering the wonderful moments and the love that will always connect us. If you wish to honor Judy, we hope you will do so in a way that reflects the things she cherished most: spend time with family, prepare a favorite recipe, listen to Elvis, or simply think of her with love.