Obituary of Judith E. Bentley

It is with great sadness that the family of Judith E. Bentley regretfully announces her passing on June 29, 2024, at her home at the age of 85.   

Judith married G. Edward Bentley Jr. on June 14, 1958. They enjoyed 63 years together until his passing in 2021.  She was the daughter of the late Florence Grannis Zumbrun and Arnold Zumbrun.      

Judy is survived by her daughters, Christine (Tina) Delay of Syracuse, Deborah Bentley of Utica, Susan Eisnor of Clinton, and son Edward and Debbie Bentley Sr. of Verona.  She is survived by her grandchildren Kenny and Brittney Eisnor of Oriskany, Kyle and Alisa Eisnor of Utica, Kevin and Ema of Richfield Springs, Edward (Nicole) A. Bentley Jr. of Vernon and Samantha Bentley and AJ, of Verona; three great grandchildren, Skyler, Landon, and Ashton. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Carole DesChamps and brother-in-law Thomas (Mary) Bentley of Litchfield; as well as many nieces and nephews.   Judy was predeceased by her siblings Charles, Carolyn and Robert Zumbrun and Eunice Stores; her step mother Dorcas Pults Zumbrun; her son-in-law Neal P. Delay; and her brothers-in-law Edward A. Stores and John Robert Deschamps Sr.    

Judy was born in Utica and was an active member of the Clinton community from school to work. During high school she was the editor and chief of the school paper and yearbook. In addition to these activities, she played the clarinet in band and orchestra.  Sports included field hockey, bowling, archery and badminton. She was a volunteer for Hospice, an officer of the Clinton Foundation and a member of the Skenandoa Club. Judy worked at the Modern Tailor Shop for over 50 years until her retirement. She continued her passion at home after retirement until her recent illness.     

Friends describe Judy as one of the kindest, giving, sweet and selfless woman.  She always put others needs ahead of her own.  You could count on her for any sewing job from simple mending, making doll outfits, to creating wedding gowns. Sewing was her passion.  If a pie or cookie was to be made, she was on it for whatever family, friend, or organizational event. Her care for others had no limits, from caring for elderly family members to bringing her friend to the hairdresser or giving her family rides to wherever they needed to go, and even watching grand-puppies and grand-cats. She could never say “NO” to anyone for anything!  

Judy’s greatest love was her family! She loved the holidays or any occasion when her family was around her. She took great pride in watching her grandchildren play sports. 

She was truly an angel on earth and now in heaven.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all her caregivers, with a special mention to Mary B., Tina E., and Teresa.  A huge shout out and thank you to Laurie Madonia, for her genuine friendship and frequent visits.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Alzheimer’s Dementia Association, 5015 Campus Wood Rd, Unit#102, East Syracuse, NY 13057  

All are invited to call Monday, July 8, 2024, from 4-7pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton.   Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Church at 11am Tuesday.  She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery next to her husband.