Judith Ann McCauley

Judith Ann McCauley, of Moosic, beloved mother and longtime teacher in the Dunmore public schools, died on July 20, at age 80, after a sudden, hard-fought battle with cancer.

Known as "Judy," she was the daughter of V. James Gatto and Mildred Cetta Gatto.

She attended Dunmore public schools and graduated from Dunmore High School in 1958, where her father was a history teacher and head football coach. She went on to Marywood University where she received a bachelor's degree in education. She was active in both her high school and college alumni associations.

She taught in New Jersey, then returned to Dunmore, where she was team leader of third-grade, then called Pod C, when the school operated in an open-classroom setting.

After decades of educating countless students she retired and started a new chapter in life, volunteering her time every day to various organizations including local hospitals, Catholic Social Services, St. Joseph's Center and a pen pal program for area schoolchildren, just to name a few. In 2014 the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees honored her with the Outstanding Volunteer award.

Judy lived her life to the fullest. She loved colorful fashion and jewelry. She was an independent woman, always on the go, and loved visiting her daughter, Celeste, in New York City to paint the town red. And they did.

She loved her nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces and cousins, many of whom called her "Aunt Toodles."

Judy enjoyed cavorting with the many friends she made throughout the years and loved to travel.

She cared for those who were sick, she supported those who needed prayer and was always at the ready to help others.

Judy had beautiful cursive handwriting ("the Palmer method," she reminded everyone), which she used to address the many cards she sent her loved ones. Every morning she read The Times-Tribune with her coffee and would often cut out stories and send them to her daughter with little notes attached.

She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved brother, Louis Gatto, and sister-in-law, Shay. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Barry J. McCauley. She had a strong faith and was a member of Divine Mercy Church in Moosic. Her daughter was always in awe of her strength, energy and determination to get what she wanted out of life.

A private funeral Mass will be held by the family. She will be interred at Cathedral Cemetery.

Arrangements made by Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18509.