Judith Hurtado

Judith Elaine Roach Hurtado, 69, of North Branch, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on April 20th, 2025, after a year’s battle with cancer and dementia.

Judith was born in Pasadena, TX on October 1st, 1955, to Kenneth and Shirley Roach. She graduated from Texas State University in 1977 with a Bachelor's degree in journalism, and went on to pursue a 45 year-long career in technical writing. This career took her on adventures all throughout the US and internationally before she retired and settled in upstate New York with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Judith’s son and only child, Matthew Hurtado, was born February 17th, 1989, and the two remained best friends for the rest of her life.

She is survived by her son, Matthew, daughter-in-law Michelle, and grandson Lucas of North Branch, NY. She is also survived by two brothers, Gary Roach of San Francisco, CA, Rodney Roach of Austin, TX, and their families, including her niece Nicki and nephew Chris. She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Shirley.

Judith, or Judy to those who knew her, was brilliant, kind, funny, and the sort of friend everyone would want to have. She was a fan of action and horror films, Stephen King novels, WWE, and a lifelong supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved dogs, particularly her beloved shih tzu Bacca, and had a gift for making friends wherever she went. She will be sorely missed by her family and all of those close to her.

In Judy’s memory, please consider putting forward a donation to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Hospice of America, Alzheimer’s Association of America, or Dementia Society of America.