Judy Resnik

Judy Resnik

Judy Resnik Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 26, 2011.
Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Judith Arlene Resnik attended Hebrew school and played classical piano. As a high school student, she excelled in mathematics and achieved a perfect score on her SAT. Resnik went on to earn both a B.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering.

In 1978, she was recruited into the astronaut program by NASA recruiter and Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols. Resnik became the second American woman and first Jewish woman in space in August 1984 when she served as Mission Specialist on the maiden voyage of the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Following her Discovery spaceflight, Resnik was assigned to Challenger mission STS-51-L, which would launch January 28, 1986. Resnik and the other six crew members aboard Challenger were killed when the Shuttle exploded seconds after lift-off.

Twenty-five years later we remember astronaut Judy Resnik and invite you to share memories and condolences in her Guest Book.

Sign Judy Resnik's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 3, 2025

Someone posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2024

Jan Rodenbaugh posted to the memorial.

January 5, 2024

Tammy Gould posted to the memorial.

27 Entries

February 3, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Jan Rodenbaugh

March 12, 2024

Talented and Brave and remembered always by Jan Rodenbaugh (high school classmate) and her husband Peter
Gibson.(uk)

Tammy Gould

January 5, 2024

I am from a town 40 min from Akron. She feels like a neighbor to me. She definitely was a pioneer for women all over the world. This many years later and people are commenting about her! Eternal memory sweet lady.

Bill P

May 17, 2022

Wish I could have known you, because you sound like such an awesome lady. Gone far too soon. Rest in Peace.

David Selman

September 19, 2020

A. Lady. 1000. Times. Bravery. Than. I. Will. Ever. He. Love. I. Always. Judy

September 19, 2020

Keep. Reaching. For. The. Stars. Judy. Albany. He. Will. Always. Love. And. Admire. You. And. Your. Bravery. Albany. Ga

David Fabrizio

April 5, 2020

I followed Judy's career since she became an astronaut in 1978. Brilliant, a great sense of humor and so very beautiful. A heartbreaking loss. R.I.P Judy.

February 9, 2019

One of my first and truest angels from above.

JIM MICHAUD

October 31, 2018

One of the most gorgeous women to ever walk the planet!! Looks!! Brains!! WOW!!! She exemplified what could be accomplished when one takes God-given gifts, and unceasingly works with them, to the end that positive objectives are brought forth to fruition. As striking as I find her to have been from without, I am even more greatly impacted by what obviously abounded within. Her example is one of great and enduring substance, and not only to women.

Dr. Valerie Williams

January 29, 2018

May God Bless the family and friends of Judy Resnik. I thank you for the sacrifices you made, as she served our great country. Judy will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Dr. Valerie E. Williams

MaryJo Radosevich

November 16, 2017

Judy was a blessing for all of us. Beautiful, smart, ever so gifted. She was such a role model for other women and girls. May she rest in peace.

David

November 28, 2016

Rest in Peace Beautiful

David

Alan Summers

September 11, 2016

For You Ms. Resnik, wish I could have heard you on the piano, I'm sure it was awesome !

Stephen Macanga

January 28, 2016

Brilliant and beautiful I was so proud that she was part of our space program and represented the U.S.A so well. Judy's accomplishments will live on in history and her loss will live on in our hearts. It was 30 years ago today she gave the ultimate sacrifice to our exploration of space, we will never forget her, thank you Judy Resnik.

Charles Reilly

January 28, 2016

God bless Judy Resnik. She and her crew mates from the Space Shuttle Challenger will never be forgotten as long as mankind continues to explore the heavens.

Ron

September 1, 2015

May Judy live forever in heaven

Ocean Patty Dee

January 28, 2015

Wow--I can't believe you have been gone for so long. I will never forget meeting you in Ocean City MD and the great time we had drinking Budwieser at the Purple Moose. I will always miss you.

a a

January 8, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tommy Sprinkle

March 1, 2014

It was such a shock and sad day when the Challenger exploded only 2 minutes into the flight. I am a friend of Harry Reppert, your sister's husband at that time. I saw both of them only a short time after that and hope I helped console them for their loss, although it was a business meeting occasion earlier.

suzan cooper

January 21, 2014

You were beautiful in and out and you accomplished so much to this country many loved you especially heavenly father who you are with now God bless s cooper

suzan cooper

September 30, 2013

You were very special too and you deserved to be reconized you did so much for this country you well return to us one day until then rest in peace . Suzan

January 28, 2013

A true American Hero. RIP Dr.

January 22, 2013

rip ms resnik you are so pretty

Jeff

March 9, 2011

I'll never forget that sad day. I remember watching the crew and I thought Wow, who's that woman with all that curly dark hair? Dr. Resnik had beauty and brains! RIP Challenger crew. You didn't settle and you lived your dreams.

March 9, 2011

Dr. Judy Resnik had brains and beauty. I'll never forget that sad day. The entire crew lived their dream.

SCOTT CHAMBERLAND

February 3, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

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Sign Judy Resnik's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 3, 2025

Someone posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2024

Jan Rodenbaugh posted to the memorial.

January 5, 2024

Tammy Gould posted to the memorial.