Judith Ann Yelen

Judith Ann Yelen, age 68 of Pembroke Pines, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 6th, 2017 at home after a brief struggle with cancer. She was born to the late David and Josephine Joseph on August 12, 1948 in Wilkes Barre, PA.

Judy graduated from G.A.R. High School ,Wilkes Barre, PA, before attending Kutztown University. She raised her two children, Heather Hyzenski & Amy Clancy ,and she was actively involved with both girls, volunteering at school and coaching Little League Softball.

Judy and her husband David Yelen spent the last 28 years together, marrying in 2010. Dave was her rock throughout their almost three decades, and she loved him dearly. They always managed to find laughter and supported one another through the toughest of times. Judy and Dave raised their grandson, AJ Hyzenski since the age of five. She was AJ’s biggest fan and advocate, and would move heaven and earth for him.

Judy worked at John Heinz Rehabilitation Institute in Wilkes Barre, PA for sixteen years before retiring in 2013 to move to Broward County to be closer to her other two grandchildren, Josie and Ryan Clancy. Being the amazing grandmother she was, she was fondly known to everyone as “NaNa”. Judy loved the ocean, the sand, and the sun, be it in LBI, NJ or Hollywood, FL. Any given Sunday afternoon you could be sure to find her watching a Nascar or Indy race, unless she was at the softball fields watching Josie, or at the basketball courts cheering on Ryan.

Judy is survived by her husband Dave and grandson Aj, both of Pembroke Pines, daughter Amy Clancy and son in law, David, along with grandchildren Josie and Ryan of Weston, FL, sister Harriet McGuiness, Palmer, PA , brother David Joseph and his wife Bonnie of Santa Fe, NM, She is also survived by nieces, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Heather Lara Hyzenski, August 13, 2016.

Memorial Services will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Davie Road, Davie, FL 33317 on Thursday, August 10th, 2017 from 5:00pm-7:30pm with prayer service at 6:15.

In lieu of flowers, donations are graciously accepted at PVA.org (Paralyzed Veterans Association). This organization is near and dear to Judy’s heart because of the amazing support they have offered her grandson.