Judith Ann (Hayes) Nelson

Canfield - Judith “Judy” Ann Nelson, 77, of Canfield, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at The Hospice House of Mahoning County.

She was born Judith Ann Hayes on September 6, 1947, in Youngstown, the daughter of Paul and Nancy (Vivo) Hayes. Judy grew up in a modest home in Austintown, alongside her sister, Mary Jane, and brother, Paul. Much of her childhood was joyfully spent playing with her cousins and siblings in the Hubbard and Youngstown areas.

Judy showed talent from an early age, appearing on 45 Hop with Boots Bell, The Ted Mack Amateur Hour, and The Gene Carroll Show. She graduated from Fitch High School in 1966, proudly serving as class president, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Homecoming Court.

In 1967, on what she often described as a heaven-sent day, her cousin Mona “Micheline” Carter convinced her to go dancing at the Cow Shed bar in Conneaut, Pennsylvania. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ron Nelson. They were married in June of 1969 at St. Dominic’s Church in Youngstown, surrounded by their family and friends.

Ron and Judy began their life together in Vienna, Ohio, where this city girl embraced country life—learning to garden, can fruits and vegetables, care for animals, and maintain their property. She learned many of these skills from Ron’s grandmother, Nancy “Callard” DeRubba, and her beloved mother-in-law, Christine Nelson, with whom she developed a close and lasting bond.

Over the years, Ron and Judy grew their family with the births of their daughter Kristina, son Ron, and daughter Kara. Being their mother was Judy’s greatest joy and purpose. She supported them in every school and extracurricular activity possible. In the 1970s, she helped start the Lending Library at Baker Elementary in Vienna alongside a group of dedicated moms. Judy was a constant presence at her children’s theater productions, dance performances, and sporting events—working the ticket booth, ushering, helping backstage, or simply being their biggest fan.

She loved making her signature homemade pasta sauce for the casts of the shows her daughters performed in at the Youngstown Playhouse, Oakland Center for the Arts, Trumbull New Theater, and many others. While her son earned recognition on the baseball field at Ohio State and beyond, Judy became known for the fresh salads she lovingly prepared for post-game picnics. She and Ron also loved hosting gatherings at their home, full of swimming, volleyball, card games, and cherished time with family and friends.

Judy found great joy in visiting the casino with her sister and best friend, Mary Jane Liberato, who stood by her side throughout life. In Vienna, Judy also formed treasured friendships that lasted a lifetime. It began with her dear friend, the late Kathy Mizicko, and grew into a close-knit group affectionately known as “The Birthday Club.” For more than 40 years, Lana Santucci, Kay James, Karen Neuroh, and Dianne Everett stood beside Judy through life’s joys and challenges—especially during her battle with cancer.

Judy is survived by her husband of over 55 years, Ron Nelson; her children Kristina (Roger) Herrmann, Ron Nelson, and Kara (Gabe) Scoggin; and her nine grandchildren: Brent Herrmann, Karis Herrmann, Brooklyn Nelson, Harper Nelson, Palmer Nelson, Leightyn Nelson, Maverick Scoggin, Beckham Nelson, and Camille Scoggin. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Jane (Billy) Liberato, her brother, Paul (Debi) Hayes, and a large extended family, as well as many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nancy and Paul Hayes, and her in-laws, Christine and Paul Nelson.

As many of you know, Judy loved a good show—whether in a theater or at the movies, she always left in a state of wonder. Though her final reel has come to a close, she hopes her “Judy stories” will live on and continue to play in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may pay their respects to Judy on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 10:00 am until 10:50 am at St. Blaise Parish-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown where a Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am with Rev. Msgr. Peter Polando as celebrant.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman. 

In lieu of flowers, Judy had two requests: First, pay it forward with kindness and Secondly, if you feel so inclined, consider making a donation in her memory to a local theater or cancer support organization—places and causes that brought her joy and comfort.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Judy’s family.

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