Judith Amelia Brndjar

A radiant Star (Etoile in French), was eclipsed when Judith A. Brndjar left this world to travel home to her Lord on October 21, 2025.

Judith was a beautiful woman, wonderful Mother, and devoted Sister, Aunt, Daughter and Friend to so many both here and abroad.

Always a teacher to her daughter, sisters, brothers, family and students in her many walks through Life, she always asserted her "students" were the "Etoiles", not she.

Judith was inspirational, reflecting the essence of being a true Christian, a refined "lady", and a wonderful Mother and Sister. She sought quiet goodness with humility, strong bonds with those she loved, and " in service" throughout her "Life's chapters". She made a lifelong commitment in service to her Church, loved ones, students, and through many and varied leadership roles during High School in Danbury, Connecticut; during her four years as a student at the Susquehanna University; over her 30 year teaching career with the Souderton Area High School; through her work numerous years of commitment to the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Bratislava, Slovakia.

She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship during her time at the Souderton Area High School and spent the "best year of her life" teaching French to middle school students in Scotland. She also made lifelong friendships with colleagues while in Stewarton, Scotland.

Through high school and her early life, Judith was very active in school and church activities.

During her time at the Susquehanna University, she involved herself in all forms of Clubs, activities and learning. She participated in Student Government, the French Club, the Future Teachers' Club, her Sorority, and the Women's Athletic Association. She was also the editor of Susquehanna's yearbook, the Lanthorn. Judith was named "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities" during her Senior year. This is only a short list of Judith's contributions and accomplishments while at Susquehanna University. Later in life, Judith became an ardent supporter of the Global Opportunities Program (GO) at the University. This mission affords students opportunities through scholarships to complete two weeks to one semester of Service in the U.S. or Abroad.

After graduating from Susquehanna University, Judith became a teacher at the Souderton Area High School where she remained for almost 30 years. Her love of languages and inquisitiveness of other cultures served her well as a linguist of many languages and specifically, as a French and later a German teacher during her tenure. She often chaperoned student trips to Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, and London and Paris. She was also active as a leader of the Foreign Exchange Club where numerous students were sponsored in homes (including her own), from Sweden, Belgium, and many other countries.

Judith earned her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine in Orono, ME.

After retiring from teaching, Judith spent five years as a missionary to the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Bratislava, Slovakia, first teaching English, then as a "spiritual Dean of Students" to seminarians studying to be pastors.

Born to parents who emigrated from the former Czechoslovakia, her Slovak heritage was interwoven with her good works and love for others. Her parents were Irene (Belohlavek) Brndjar and the Reverend Andrew Brndjar.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by older brother, The Reverend Dr. John Brndjar, and younger brother, The Reverend Dr. Paul Brndjar. Others who predeceased her were her nephew, Zachary Hoffman, and most recently her daughter-in- law and dear friend, Lindy Thompson-Tressler.

Judith is survived by her loving daughter, Romy Tressler, her furry grand-dog, Finley, and her devoted sisters, Irene and Darina. Also, Judith is survived by many dear nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws, and grand-nieces and nephews.

Judith's passions were travel, languages, service to her Church, music, and European history, art and culture. She was good at almost everything she endeavored-one exception was singing.

Judith was a brave and "gentle warrior" through her lifetime and during her almost four-year battle against Alzheimer's. Despite this awful affliction, she brought grace, beauty, and dignity to her circumstance.

She was truly an "Etoile", and her legacy lives on in so many of us whose lives she touched.

Visitation will commence 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 25, 2025 before the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, P.C., 274 N. Krocks Road Allentown. A time for fellowship and a meal will conclude services at Delizioso's in Macungie.

Please make donations in Judith's honor to the Global Opportunities Program (GO Studies Abroad) at Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave, Selinsgrove PA 17870 and/or to the Alzheimer's Association 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.