Judith "Judy" Papier

Judith (Judy) Papier passed away in Fort Myers, FL on Monday May 8, 2023. Judy was born in Trenton, NJ and graduated from Trenton High School in 1948. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from New Jersey State Teachers College (now The College of New Jersey) in 1952. Judy served as class president during her high school and college years, at a time when very few women were found in those roles. She taught English in Germany to US troops while her husband Dr. Charles (Chuck) Papier was stationed there with the Army. Upon returning to the United States, Judy taught middle school and high school English, both in Trenton and in Pennington, NJ. Judy later helped Chuck grow his optometry practice in Pennington while raising their two sons and remaining active in the community.

Judy was the daughter of the late Morris and Tillie Balbresky. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles Papier, in June of 2022. Judy is survived by her sister, Myrna Robbins (Richard), her sons Dr. Kenneth Papier and Jeffrey Papier (Phil Barboro), sister-in-law Lenore Papier, and grandchild M. J. Papier. Judy and Chuck would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in August 2022.

Judy served as president of the Trenton State College Alumni Association, and received that organization’s highest award, the Alumni Citation, for her dedicated work on behalf of the college and in her community. Judy was a talented local theater director, leading a number of productions including Fiddler on the Roof and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, both performed at Har Sinai Temple in Trenton. Along with Chuck, Judy volunteered for many years in the emergency room at Southern Ocean County Hospital in New Jersey. In Fort Myers, Florida, she volunteered at the Rape Crisis Center and at Hospice House. Judy was a deeply caring person, and was gifted at providing strength, support and comfort to those encountering difficult situations.

Judy and Chuck maintained homes on Long Beach Island, NJ and Sanibel Island, FL. In recent years, she and Chuck resided in Fort Myers. Judy loved her family, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends wherever she lived. She will always be remembered for her deeply caring nature, strength of character and conviction, mentorship, trailblazing for women, readiness for a laugh, and wisdom about life. Her memory will indeed always be for a blessing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kiserfh.com for the Papier family.