Judith Renee Shelasky

Judith R. Shelasky, 83, of Longmeadow, MA. passed away peacefully at home on October 25, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Judith was born on February 28, 1940 to the late Agnes and A. Robert Kaufman. She was the youngest of two children, and was extremely close with her devoted sister, Myrna Robbins, of Longmeadow, MA. She leaves behind her loving husband of 64 years, Stephen Shelasky, her three children, Brian Shelasky (Mary Shelasky), South Hadley, MA; Marla Shelasky, Florence, MA; and Paul Shelasky, Pawtucket, RI, and her granddaughter, Livia Shelasky, Longmeadow, MA. Judith is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her loyal dog, Maizie.


Judith graduated in 1957 from Classical High School, Springfield, and later received her Associates degree from Bay Path College (now Bay Path University) in 1959. She was a proud homemaker, raising three children and delivering medications to patients for her husband's pharmacies, first Brandles then Bran-Win Pharmacy, in Northampton, MA. She also worked in doctors' offices and as a pediatric aide at the former Northampton Nursing Home where she was devoted to children and young adults with severe disabilities. During the 1990's she owned a successful pet sitting business called Pet Minders, which she eventually sold. She loved her many pets, which included dogs, cats, birds and fish. As a vegan, in later years, rather than eating turkey for Thanksgiving, she would adopt them through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt a Turkey Project.


Family and friends were Judith's first priority. When someone was in need, she was always there to help. For many years she organized her family reunion. Her other hobbies included cooking, arts and crafts, watching Hallmark movies and mysteries, and traveling with her husband. Some of their favorite adventures included an Alaskan cruise, a trip to Costa Rica, and spending winters in Florida.


Judith was able to remain home thanks to care provided by her loving family and wonderful caregivers, Diane, Anne, Brittany, Thelma and Lisa. We are also grateful for the dedicated service provided by Baystate Hospice.


Judith will be remembered as a kind, caring, warm and loving person, and she will be in our hearts forever. Her funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 29th at 2:00 PM at Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 44 Sumner Street, Springfield, MA, with burial at City of Homes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to T.J. O'Connor Adoption Center, 627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104.