Judith Ann Handkammer, 84, formerly of Warren, PA, and Chautauqua, NY, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at home in Charlotte, NC, surrounded by her gathered family. She was born July 14, 1941, in Queens, NY, the daughter of Joseph J. Fries, Sr., and Alice M. (Budrey) Fries.Judy was raised in Queens, NY, where she attended Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School in Queens Village. After graduating from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School in 1958, she worked in Manhattan before marrying Jacob A. “Jack” Handkammer in Jamaica, Queens, in 1964. The couple began their family in East Northport, NY, and later made their home in Warren, Pa. Judy continued her education at Jamestown Community College, where she earned her nursing degree with honors in 1975. She dedicated more than 35 years to caring for others as a registered nurse, serving in hospitals, home care, and long-term care, with her work including Warren General Hospital, Warren Visiting Nurse Association, Brooks Memorial Hospital, Corry Manor, Pocono Medical Center, and The Resource Center. Her compassion and commitment made a lasting impact on the lives she touched.She was a former member of St. Joseph R.C. Church of Warren, Pa, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Confirmation teacher, and was also a member of St. Mary of Lourdes R.C. Church of Bemus Point, NY. During her years in Warren, Judy was an active member of the Warren Y.M.C.A. and served as a swimming official for the swim team program. She later enjoyed fellowship as a member of the Red Hat Society in Chautauqua, NY.

Judy’s faith in Christ was the center of her life, shaping the way she loved her family, served others, and welcomed people with warmth and grace. She will be remembered for her unmistakable laugh, generous hugs, New York accent, and the joy she found in her family. She especially loved time with her children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and treasured the extended family bonds that remained close throughout her life. She enjoyed lake life, playing cards, watching wildlife, sewing, planting flowers, watercolor painting, and gathering with family around meals and conversation.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 50 years, Jacob Adam Handkammer; her two brothers, Clifford E. Fries and Joseph J. Fries; her sister-in-law, Joan Fries; her beloved cousin, Valerie Scally Linder; and dear family member Jack Scally.

She is survived by her four children — Amy Handkammer Henderson and husband, Shawn, of Stroudsburg, PA; Robert Handkammer and wife, Marceil, of Charlotte, NC; Alison Cushing and husband, Thomas, of Florence, SC; and Kristin Nivens and husband, Heath, of McKinney, TX. She is also survived by six grandchildren — Riley Henderson, Lance Handkammer, Madilynn Handkammer, McKenzie Cushing, Thomas Cushing Jr., and Cullen Nivens; her cousin, Eileen Frontera; her sister-in-law, Jacqueline Fries; and beloved nieces and nephews.For those wishing to honor Judy’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Focus on the Family, Chautauqua Lake Association, or Smith Memorial Library at Chautauqua Institution.

Family and friends will be warmly invited to gather, remember Judy, and celebrate her life at a Mass of Christian Burial, followed by a meal and time of fellowship. Details will be announced in the weeks to come.