Dr. Judith Carol Rutkowski-Ivey

Dr. Judith Carol Rutkowski Ivey

The Ivey family celebrates the remarkable life of Dr. Judith Carol Ivey (Rutkowski)—devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, counselor, and founder of The Caring Center for Reconciliation. At the age of 89, Judy entered eternal rest on February 20th, 2026, embraced by her loving Savior, Jesus Christ. She passed away at Upstate University Hospital following complications of heart disease. Her life was marked by deep faith, compassionate service, and unwavering love for her family and community.

Life and Legacy

Judy was born in Lyon Mountain, NY, on May 6, 1936, delivered by her own grandfather, Dr. H.R. Marvin. She attended Franklin Academy in Malone, NY, and went on to earn degrees from the University of Vermont (where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega), Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City, Syracuse University (Master of Social Work), and University of Southern California (Doctorate of Clinical Psychology).

Judy lived a life of steadfast advocacy, compassion, and service to others. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued—whether offering encouragement to a stranger in the grocery store or praying with a neighbor in need. She truly never met a stranger, and her kindness and generosity touched thousands of lives across the country.

A devoted school counselor with the Baldwinsville School District, Judy profoundly impacted countless students and families. She later continued her calling in private practice at The Caring Center, often providing free or reduced-cost counseling to ensure that those in need had access to care. Earlier in her career, she served at Hutchings Psychiatric Center and worked in drug and alcohol counseling, consistently dedicating herself to supporting those on the margins and walking alongside individuals during their most difficult seasons.

Above all, Judy’s greatest joy was her family. Outside of her faith in Christ, her children and grandchildren were the center of her world. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to their well-being, going above and beyond in every circumstance. Her life was a testament to self-sacrificing love, and she never ceased striving to ensure her family was supported, encouraged, and deeply loved.

Judy also treasured time spent in Bible study with dear friends at Friends Fellowship, peaceful walks in nature, and music—especially gospel, worship, jazz, and blues. She delighted in the beauty of God’s creation, particularly flowers. Each spring, she lovingly shared flowers with friends and family, a simple yet beautiful reflection of the generosity and joy she carried in her heart. Judy’s legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love will continue to bloom in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

Judy spent her life sharing Jesus's hope. Her family invites you to consider the message that meant most to her.

The Gospel in Brief: God loves you and created you for relationship with Him. But sin separates us from God. Jesus Christ died to forgive our sins and rose again, offering restoration and new life to all who believe.

Take the Next Step: If you'd like to begin a relationship with Jesus, you can pray something like this:

"Jesus, I know I have sinned and need Your forgiveness. I believe you died for me and rose again. I turn to You now and ask You to come into my life. Please forgive me, make me new, and help me follow You. Thank You for loving me. Amen."

Survivors

Judy is survived by her husband, Horace Ivey; her brother, Paul Rutkowski; 10 children, 22 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Her children include Jamie Darwish (Sandra), Josiah Ivey, Quaneisha Ivey, Sean Ivey, Dr. Mona Ivey-Soto (Jermaine), Bonnie Krisak (Steve), Becky Majewski (Paul), Betsy Ross-Pelrine (Steve), Angel Samoraj, John Samoraj (Alisha), Michael Samoraj. Surviving grandchildren include Caleb Darwish, Hannah Darwish, Manny Dejesus, Jonah Ivey-Soto, Zivah Ivey-Soto, Sarah Kochanek (Michael), Christie Krisak, Kellie Krisak, Daniel Majewski (Eden), Mitchell Majewski, Joshua Pelrine, Cae'Mari Rutkowski-Ivey, Iris Gunn, River Ivey, Anthony Samoraj, Cristy Samoraj, Dominic Samoraj, Jacqueline Samoraj (Matthew), Keren Samoraj, Laura Samoraj, Vincent Samoraj, William Samoraj. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Dr. Chester Rutkowski.

Service Information

Calling Hours: Friday, February 27, 2026, 5–7 p.m.Celebration of Life: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11 a.m.Location: Community Wesleyan Church, 112 Downer St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027Fellowship meal to follow

In Her Memory

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy's name to Compassion International. Because Judy spent her life sharing the hope of Jesus, her family invites you to learn more about salvation at gotquestions.org/plan-of-salvation.html or harvest.org/know-god/, or by connecting with a Christ-centered, Bible-believing church in your area.