Judith Ann Haggerty Vernon

"Judy lived her faith daily, danced through life with an Irish heart, and reminded us that every day is a gift to be cherished."
Judith Ann Haggerty Vernon, 87, of Hamilton Square, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. In her final moments, she was embraced by her life partner and devoted husband of 68 years, Ron, as her children and grandchildren prayed, sang, and filled the room with Irish music, especially "Danny Boy," playing on repeat. Judy was also blessed by the care of lifelong friends; Theresa, Persa, Bonnie, Claire and the three Harriets.
Born on September 27, 1938, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to second-generation Irish parents, Judy spent her early childhood there before moving with her family to Trenton, New Jersey, in 1943. Over the years, she lived in Robbinsville and West Trenton, summered on Long Beach Island where she was a longtime member of the Brant Beach Yacht Club, and ultimately settled in Hamilton Square, where she resided for the past 20 years.
Judy attended Saint Anthony's Grammar School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956. She began her nursing education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and continued at Mercer County College, earning her RN degree. In 1984, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Trenton State College, where she was honored with the prestigious Hammond Award.
A dedicated nurse for decades, Judy served as a staff member at Saint Francis Medical Center and Carrier Clinic. She also worked as a nursing lab teaching assistant at Mercer County Community College and as a substitute nurse in Hamilton Township schools. Beyond nursing, Judy co-owned and managed Vernon's Penn Supply as a certified kitchen and bath designer, drawing on experience from Beebe's and Baths Etc. She especially loved creating beautiful kitchens and bathrooms.
Judy was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage. In 2016, she was honored as Irish Daughter of the Year by the Friendly Sons and Daughters of Mercer County. She was active in the Sons and Daughters of Erin and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Hamilton. Judy took céilí dance lessons at Saint Francis and was always the first to lead the floor at every Irish gathering.
A devout Catholic and daily communicant, Judy served as a Eucharistic Minister at several parishes, including Saint Gregory the Great, Sacred Heart in Trenton, and Saint Francis of Assisi on Long Beach Island. Her commitment to Catholic education spanned generations, from her oldest daughter's graduation from Notre Dame High School in 1976 to her youngest granddaughter's upcoming graduation in 2026, marking 50 years of devotion to faith and learning.
Above all, Judy lived for and deeply loved her family. She cherished her life partner and husband, Ron, her five children, 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was famous for her sayings: "God helps those who help themselves" and "It's a beautiful day, get some fresh air." Judy embraced life fully, enjoying travel, cooking, boating, skiing, biking, woodworking, and time outdoors. She skied with her family until age 80 and never missed a sunset boat cruise with them.
Judy was the daughter of the late Leroy Haggerty and Elizabeth Haggerty McCann. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ronald K. Vernon; her children, Karen Vernon Stewart (Don), Ronald L. Vernon (Debbie), Dan Vernon (Margaret), Christopher Vernon (Eileen), and Jim Vernon (Dawn); her grandchildren, Matthew (Melody), Amanda (Anthony), Alexandria (Chase), Danny (Taylor), Sam Stewart, Emily, AJ, Libby, Sean, Abby, Kitty, Maeve, and Josie; and her great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Nora, Anthony, and Lennon. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Haggerty (Janet), brothers-in-law, William (Bill) Vernon (Mayme) and Robert Vernon, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 1282 Yardville Allentown Road, Allentown, NJ followed by an interment in St. John the Baptist Parish Cemetery in Allentown, NJ.
Contributions may be made in Judy's memory to The Mount Carmel Guild by visiting (https://mtcarmelguild.org) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting (https://www.stjude.org/)
-Judy's legacy of faith, family, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who loved her-