Judith Blakeley Hennessy

On December 13th, we lost an irreplaceable asset. Judy B. Hennessy, with her family and her wonderful, loyal dog Mollie by her side, left us behind.

Judy loved horses and knew them well. She enjoyed sharing the encyclopedic knowledge with her friends or anyone who reached out to her. An icon in the horse world, Judy was a dedicated, charismatic trail blazer and a true legend. One of her first jobs in the horse world was at the Waller's Tanrackin Farm in Bedford, NY. Here she worked with both their thoroughbred racehorses and their show horses and ponies, and as usual, made life-long friends. Judy was the first female groom to travel overseas with the USET. She often shared wonderful stories of flying to Europe accompanying the "Team's" horses, with the fascinated 4H-ers to whom she was a "second mom" for over 45 years. She combined her knowledge and love of horses with her love of kids as she mentored hundreds of young horsemen and women during those years, including some, whom later, were lucky enough to have Judy as their own children's 4H leader! Judy also made some wonderful enduring friends in 4H. Chief among them is Marge Margentino who was by Judy's side her entire life.

Judy was first of all, kind, generous and patient. Her countless rescue dogs benefitted from that generosity for years. She had an amazing sense of humor and a work ethic second to none. She worked at Jimmy's Saddlery in Oldwick, NJ. With her former husband George, Judy managed the horse transport business his father founded. Later, side by side with Dr John Walsh, she helped countless horse owners when they most needed it. For many years, and until very recently, with the help of her loyal Mollie, Judy worked as a lab assistant at Mid-Atlantic Equine.

Judy was born and raised in Abington, PA. It was in the Abington area that Judy first became involved with horses. She rode with the local hunt and made many good friends there, especially Joy Hall Cully.

Judy's proudest accomplishment was raising her two children, Kevin and Stacy, to be wonderful human beings and successful horsemen. When Kevin brought his wife Patty into the family, Judy gained another daughter and with Stacy's fiance, Gerry Rushton, another son. Judy always hated the cold and, in some years, she was able to spend Christmas with Stacy and Gerry in sunny California. They always enjoyed her visits and her vast knowledge. Last year, with her family, she was thrilled to go on a successful whale watching trip off the coast of Cape Cod.

Judy was preceded in death by her brother John, and her dear sister Barbara with whom she shared a special love for dogs and horticulture. For everyone who knew, loved, and admired Judy, this is a sad farewell, but because of who she was, Judy will live in our memories forever. Judy Hennessy was a wonderful mother, a voracious reader, an unequaled horsewoman, a valued friend, and a respected mentor. She will be missed by legions.

Kevin, Patty, Stacy, and Gerry, respecting Judy's attitude toward wintry weather, are planning a celebration of her life in the spring.