Judy C. Vulgamore's Obituary
Judy C. Vulgamore, age 81, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, in Hiram, Ohio. Born on January 7, 1944, in New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Silas and Doris (Bell) Gibson. She was the cherished wife of the late Neil Vulgamore and a devoted mother to Dewey Cole (Cathy) and Carol Kramer (Steve). Judy's legacy extends to her adoring grandchildren, Sergio Cole (Theresa), Dewey Cole Jr (Heather), Joshua Cole (Rebecca), Samantha Schwab (Jordan), Cole Kramer, and Alexander Kramer (Sam Glowacki), as well as her nine great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy.
Living a life like Judy's took heart. At the tender age of 13, she became one of the first three open-heart surgery patients in the United States. She is the only one of the three to survive into adulthood. This incredible feat set the tone for a life lived with kindness, love, strength, and gratitude. She was always sure to fill her life with as many people to share these qualities with as possible. Always curious about the goings-on of those around her, she could recount facts about each individual person at the spur of a moment. This was no prying curiosity, but a nurturing concern that led to the involvement and envelopment of others into her umbrella of trust. Her heart, which almost shortened her life, instead brought bountiful joy to all around her, showering them in a gentle kindness not often experienced. She quickly and easily became a guiding light and steadying rock to her family and friends, akin to the lighthouses she admired so much.
Judy's educational journey saw her graduate from Ball High School in Galveston, Texas, where she was raised and where her indomitable spirit was nurtured. Judy's life traveling between Mobile, Alabama and Mantua, Ohio, was filled with the warmth of the southern sun. She was a woman who loved to be out and about, cherishing every moment spent with her family and friends. Her adventurous spirit, loving nature, and playful banter will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her siblings, Betty Price (Roger), Nancy Molina (Paul), and David "Butch" Gibson, remember Judy as a loving sister who was always ready to lend a thoughtful hand and whose presence was a source of comfort and joy.
Judy's interests were as vibrant and varied as her personality. Her interests included an insatiable love for travel, the color red, banana ice cream, fresh peaches on a summer day, solitaire, breakfast food, and exploring new places with an open heart. Shopping was more than a pastime for Judy; it was a lifestyle. Always chasing the thrill of the best deal kept her at the top of her game. Her mind and hands were rarely still, as she enjoyed the art of crochet and would often play games and solve puzzles. Dancing and singing off-key were sources of laughter and happiness, not just for herself, but for all who had the pleasure of joining in.
A true patron of the arts, Judy loved musicals starring her family, paintings, and good TV shows. Her muse was Thomas Kinkade. His portrayal of lighthouses brought her great comfort, hanging amongst the flamingos and ships on her walls. Kinkade’s “Light of Peace” sat front and center, an allegory of her influence on many. When she was not shopping, Judy’s guilty pleasures included Law and Order: SVU, just about anything on the Food Network, and In the Heat of the Night. Judy loved deeply with a will that could melt diamonds. She had a heart that defied all science, logic, and reason; and it was a singular joy to bask in her light.
As we bid farewell to Judy C. Vulgamore, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother; we celebrate a life that was lived with an unwavering zest and a heart that knew no bounds. Her journey was one of strength, love, and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations to come. Judy's memory will be cherished and kept alive through the stories, songs, laughter, and love she shared with each of us.
Family and friends may gather for visitation on Monday, August 4, 2025 at Green Funeral Care, 4668 Pioneer Trail, Mantua 44255 from 11-1PM, immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 1pm. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Hiram Ohio. A lunch and gathering will be held at Mantua Center School, 11741 Mantua Center Rd, Mantua 44255, after internment where friends and family can enjoy some food, drink, and time together.
What’s your fondest memory of Judy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judy?
Share a story where Judy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judy you’ll never forget.
How did Judy make you smile?