Judith T Biffen

Judith Theresa Biffen, 68, passed into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, July 12 2016. After a long and courageous battle, she succumbed surrounded by family, friends, and caretakers. Judy and her loving, devoted husband, Dr. Donald Biffen, resided in Stroudsburg for 40 years. Here the Biffens planted their roots, started their business and raised three children.

Born September 11, 1947 in Pittston, PA, she was the daughter of the late Aldo A. and Anna B. (nee Kaczmierzewski) Castellani. In addition to her parents, Judy was predeceased by a brother, Anthony (1946), and a sister, Andrea D. Flores (1982).

As a youngster, her family moved to Wyoming, PA, where she received her formative education. She graduated from Wyoming Memorial High School as valedictorian of the Class of 1965. She was also a class officer, yearbook editor, accomplished clarinetist, and was active in sports. Upon graduation, she attended Temple University School of Nursing in Philadelphia. Here, she continued to distinguish herself academically, and served as yearbook editor for the Class of 1968. While practicing her new profession, she continued her education and completed the requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She was then employed at the Medical College and Hospital of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she was a medical surgical instructor.

During her years at Temple, Judy met the love of her life, Donald. The couple married August 21, 1971 in Philadelphia, where they lived until Donald’s graduation from Temple Dental in 1976. The couple moved to Bangor, PA, where they welcomed their first daughter, Stephanie in 1977. That same year, the new family relocated to East Stroudsburg, where they founded Biffen Family Dentistry, which remains a well-known family dental practice on North Courtland Street in East Stroudsburg. She worked with her husband to help create a successful practice, serving as office manager and eventually obtained her Dental Hygienist License. During these early years of the practice, the Biffens joyously added two additional children – Andrew and Sarah.

Judy loved old movies – particularly horror movies, swing music, potato chips and Italian wine. She was an avid reader and consumed books, a trait she shared with her husband. All will remember her no-nonsense commitment to hard work and self-development. At the same time, she possessed the gift of personal warmth and had the biggest of hearts. She cherished her many family trips to their vacation home in Myrtle Beach, SC, and their wonderful trips to the British Isles and Italy, which provided special times for the entire family. She was also an avid bird watcher and those binoculars were always ready, along with the Audubon books, at her kitchen window.

Judy’s life is characterized by her unwavering devotion to her husband and children. The couple guided and nurtured each toward their own personal success and happiness. In addition to her husband, Dr. Donald, Judy is survived by daughter, Stephanie Anna Armstrong (and husband Taylor), Baltimore, MD; son Dr. Andrew D. Biffen, Stroudsburg, PA, and daughter Sarah Joan Biffen, Brooklyn, NY. Judy and Don were further blessed with three adoring grandchildren, Madeleine, Liam, and Kiran Armstrong. She is also survived by brother, James J. Castellani (and wife, Catherine), Marlborough, CT, and brother Thomas C. Castellani, East Stroudsburg, PA, and extended family members throughout Northeast PA, Virginia and Florida.

Judy was blessed with very close friends who remained by her side – true and steady. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Rita Giacanelli, her constant companion, trusted caregiver, and devoted friend for these past seven years. A special thank you is also extended to Loretta Ellingsen, Judy’s life-long best friend, for her selfless devotion and loving care.

In remembrance of Judy’s life, the family asks that personal prayers be said on her behalf.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 10 am at The East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, 87 S Courtland St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 . Private interment will take place at Laurelwood Cemetery in Stroudsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, 87 S Courtland St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lanterman and Allen Funeral Home, East Stroudsburg.