Judith “Judy” Belle Camp Smolk
Judith “Judy” Belle Camp Smolk
Judith “Judy” Belle Camp Smolk RN, BSN, MSN, 85, of Brandon, FL passed away May 11, 2024. Judy was born November 23, 1938 in Corry, PA to Wilbur and Alice(Benedict) Camp. She grew up in Clymer and graduated from Clymer Central High School as valedictorian in 1956 and with Honors in Nursing from the University of Buffalo in 1960, where she was tapped for the Cap and Gown Senior Women’s Honorary Society. Judy lived in Findley Lake until moving to Florida in 1979. After she moved, she greatly enjoyed keeping in touch with and visiting her high school classmates. She practiced Nursing and Nursing Education for 20 years in Chautauqua County, NY and for 40 years in Tampa, FL. At age 72, she earned her Master of Nursing Education at the University of South Florida, completing a life-long goal. Judy was one of seven board members who founded Hospice of Hillsborough (now LifePath Hospice) in Tampa in 1983. In 1995, she became one of the earliest nationally Certified Hospice Nurses and maintained that certification for 20 years. As a member of First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, she was involved with the Health Ministry, senior group (SAGE), Veterans programs, Heifer International, the Alzheimer’s Walk and numerous other projects. She enjoyed her church friends and working withher fellow nurses there. She had a deep intellectual curiosity her entire life. Her interests were music, art and history. An evening at the Performing Arts Center or a trip to local art museums were her favorite outings.
In 2018, she traveled with her family to Salem, MA to visit the homestead of Rebecca Nurse, her eight times great aunt. In 2020, she began studying the life of publisher and politician Horace Greeley, whose parents lived in her hometown of Clymer, NY. In 2022 Western New York Heritage magazine published an extensive article, co-written by Judy, on his life and political activity.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Virginia Camp Glavis and Nina Camp Beckerink, niece Brenda Meeder and nephew Nelson Beckerink.
She is survived by her three daughters, Alisa, Shawn and Gina (Donald), grandchildren Benjamin, Casey, Patrick and Kathleen. She had many dear nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and was especially grateful for the special bond with her nieces RamieColvin, Sally Beckerink, and Julie Ganske. Although admired for her many achievements, Judy always put family first. She provided unwavering love and support to her daughters and grandchildren. Nothing gave her more joy than family gatherings, sharing laughter, stories and a meal together.
A memorial service will be held at Findley Lake Church, 2862 North Rd, FindleyLake, NY on Saturday, October 5th at 1:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, please considermemorial donations to the Clymer Historical Society, PO Box 114, Clymer, NY 14724 orthe Clymer/French Creek Library, PO Box 68, Clymer, NY 14724.