Obituary of Judith Ann Fountain

Altamont - Judith Ann Fountain (Turner), 83 passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, May 4, 2023.  

Born in Albany, NY on February 29, 1940, Judith was the daughter of the late Joseph T. and Olive E. Gregory (Bunce).  Judith was a 1959 graduate of Van Rensselaer Senior High and a resident of Rensselaer, West Sand Lake and most recently Altamont, NY.  Judith worked most of her life in retail and for many years her name was synonymous with the Joy Department Store in Rensselaer.   Her very first job was with Hallmark Cards, and she will forever be remembered for sending the most beautiful, sentimental birthday cards --- cards that said so much, so perfectly that she would simply sign “love Mom” or “love Gram” --- nothing more.

Judith also worked at the Sodexo Food Services at the Empire State Plaza and while she worked outside of the home for most her life, she considered her most important job to be that of mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  Judith was the sweetest, kindest, most gentle person.  She never said a bad word about anyone.  Her smile could light a room and when you called her, she always sounded happy.  Her voice alone could soften any heart and bring immediate comfort.

We will forever be reminded that she always told us that “all will be better in the morning” and that on most days  she would say… today “is such a pretty day.”  

Judith came very close to returning to God last January 2022.  She miraculously survived a near fatal illness but lived to share the most beautiful story of hope and purity as she described to her children and fellow church members the beauty of heaven, the afterlife and all its glory.  For this, among many other reasons, we know our Mom is happy, at peace and with loved ones.

Judith is survived by her three loving and admiring daughters, Yvonne Joy Turner (Kevin O’Connor), Teri Ann Kurylo(Anthony) and Tracey Ruth Turner (Richard Thomas) as well as her grandchildren Daniel, Jenna Joy, Laura, Cameron, Frank, Melissa and Ryan, several great grandchildren (with a new baby girl on the way!) and many nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her sister Doreen M. Vignola and her lifelong best friend Lois Leonard.  She is predeceased by sisters Jacqueline, Arlene and Marilyn and brother Thomas as well as her former husband Thomas H. Turner who passed away in February 2023.

Mom sends a special thank you to her sons-in-law, her surrogate sons: Richard, Anthony and Kevin whose care and kindness towards her goes beyond words.  They loved Mom as their second mother, and she adored them. Mom also shared a lovingbond with Amy Turner Barber. 

The family wishes to send heartfelt appreciation to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital who cared for Judith with the most kindness and respect over the last couple of months and to those who cared for her and her many “jellybean friends” at the Fresenius Kidney Care in Troy, NY.  

Family and friends are invited to calling hours at the Lyons Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY on Monday, May 8 from 4 to 7 p.m.  Services will be held for Judith at the North Cambridge UMC “Stump”, Stump Church Road, Greenwich, NY on Tuesday, May 9 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Cambridge UMC, c/o 164 Kenyon Road, Greenwich, NY 12834.