Judith Ann (Hutchinson) Bisbee

Judith Ann (Hutchinson) Bisbee, surrounded with loving family, passed away peacefully to heaven on October 1, 2023, while listening to her favorite artist and poet Johnny Cash. She fought bravely through many physical and mental challenges following a severe stroke in 2010. Her final years were spent at LECOM Senior Living Center in Erie, PA with caring staff.  A special thank you to Tina, Whitney, Edie, Casey, Vee, Emily, Jamica, Lynn, and VNA Hospice nurse Laura. 

She was born July 29, 1941, in Union City, Pennsylvania to her late parents Clarence Smith Hutchinson and Mary Joan (Donoghue) Hutchinson, with Grandmother Carola (Smith) Hutchinson who worked as a midwife assisting with Judy’s birth.

Judy’s family later moved to a home on Marion Street in Corry, Pa where she enjoyed a wonderful childhood. She attended Saint Edwards Catholic Elementary School and was a member of Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Corry where she enjoyed her time as a choir member.  In her later     years, she became a member of the Our Lady of Mercy Church in Harborcreek, PA.  She graduated from Corry High School. 

She was a hard worker even as a youth working after school at Corry Ritz Restaurant and Woolworths, along with summers spent living at her Great Aunt Buella’s in North East, PA to work on the fruit farms.  Her adult years were spent in the Wattsburg, PA area as a dedicated homemaker, gardener, loving wife, and mother with later years of residence in North East, PA and employment at Better Baked Foods in North East, PA.  

Her hobbies included house decorating, antiques, and repurposing items to make her home beautiful for her family.  She also enjoyed watching her Steelers football. Judy was tender-hearted towards the vulnerable and weak - especially animals and her beloved pets.

In addition to her parents, Judy is preceded in death by her former spouse of 25 years, Larry Eugene Bisbee.  Her two brothers preceding her death are Joseph Hutchinson (Donna) of North East, PA, and Dale Hutchinson (Helen Ann) of Columbus, Pa.  Also preceding is a former sister-in-law and caring friend Ilene Bisbee (Lyle also deceased) of Union City, PA. 

Judy is survived by her daughter Trudi Renee (Bisbee) Watkins (husband Larry Watkins) of North East, PA, and her son Larry Joseph Bisbee of Erie, Pa. Her grandchildren Shawn Watkins of Pittsburgh, PA, Shane Watkins of North East, PA, Amanda Bisbee of Arab, Alabama, and Charles Wagner of Alabama.  Also, her beloved great-grandchildren Lillian, Luke, and Abigail. Nieces (including her favored nieces - you know who you are) and nephews who all added joy to her life.  Her two remaining siblings include her sister Suzanne Chase of Corry, PA, and her brother Paul Hutchinson of North East, PA.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus Church, 48 S. Pearl Street. North East, PA  on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11 A.M..  Following the service, there will be a private graveside service.  Per Judy’s wishes, she will be buried by her baby brother Joe at North East Cemetery - Rt 20 and N Cemetery Rd North East, Pa. 

For Judy’s love of animals, donations may be made if desired, to the Erie Humane Society - 2407 Zimmerly Rd Erie, PA, or the Community Nursing Services of North East - 7 Park St North East, Pa.  Funeral arrangements are under the care of the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home, 92 S. Lake St North East, PA.  To send condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith Ann (Hutchinson) Bisbee, please visit our floral store.