NYSASN’s board of directors is saddened by the news of the passing of one of our founders, Judith Harrigan. Her memory will be honored at our 35th anniversary celebration banquet in Skaneateles, New York, on Friday, November 5, 2021.
We offer our sincere condolences to her family, and thanks for her lifetime of service to our school nurses and to the students of New York State.
Her obituary, from Allen Memorial Home – Endicott is as follows:
Judith F. Harrigan, age 78, died on October 5, 2021 at home after a long battle with Interstitial Lung Disease. Judy is predeceased by mother Stella Campbell, father Austin Foote, step-mother Edie Foote, brothers Jack and David Foote. She is survived by her sister Marty Blumenstock and her daughters Kathleen Rifkin (Asha Mellor), Middletown NY; Kristy Dougherty (Dan), Endwell NY; Karen Walsh, Rhinebeck NY; Kelly Seeman (Matt), Rochester NY. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jack Rifkin, Luke Zuber, Jake Zuber, John Walsh, Allyson Walsh, Caleb Seeman and Connor Seeman; step-grandchildren Sage Gorman (Nate), Justin Dougherty and Cassidy Dougherty; great grandchild Trey Gorman; Cousins Dave Head (Diane) and Christy Stewart (Dick); several nieces, nephews and many long-time friends.
Judy was born and raised in Hobart and Rochester NY. She graduated from West High School in Rochester and received her RN, Masters of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner License while raising her four daughters. She worked as an RN at Strong Memorial Hospital in the Pediatric ICU, was Director of Health Services at Monroe 2 – Orleans BOCES, taught Nursing at University of Rochester and SUNY Brockport, was School Health Services Coordinator of the New York State Education Department, Director of the National School Nurses Association and School Nurse Consultant for the Colorado State Education Department. She was the main force in founding the New York State Association of School Nurses, was an editor of a crucial textbook used for school nurse individualized healthcare plans and ultimately played an essential role for nurses in the health and education of children.
In her spare time, Judy enjoyed great passions such as traveling, biking, skiing, kayaking and quilting. She also enjoyed the companionship of her sometimes feisty cats, Copper and Breck, who were named after Colorado ski resorts. Judy lived a full and exciting life, touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held for family and close friends at 11:00 AM on Sunday November 7, 2021 at Gates Memorial Park Pavilion, 150 Spencerport Road, Rochester NY. All are welcomed to attend calling hours to be held immediately following the service from Noon – 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy’s name to a charity of your choice.
Published by Allen Memorial Home – Endicott on Oct. 7, 2021.
