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Judy passed away peacefully at home in New Mexico after a brave battle against cancer. She was born in 1948 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Ralph and Shirley (Pardee) Abel. Always an adventurer, she spent her adult life in many places across Michigan, England, Indiana, and Texas. Her true home was in New Mexico, though.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughters’ beloved “Papa,” Larry Haynes.
Judy left behind many wonderful friends and family who will miss her dearly. She is survived by her cherished husband, John Vasko Jr.; daughters, Melissa (Tommy) Aiken and Amy (Marvin) Pline; granddaughters, Tori Bonn, Hayley (Dillon) Braun, and Amber Pline; siblings, Laura Jean Hammes, Tom Abel, Terry (Alice Kidder) Abel, Janice (Gary Ronchetti) Scott, and Tim (Aimiee) Abel; sister-in-law, Carol Ann (Stewart) Norman; step-children, Shannon (Brian) Vasko-Follmer, Lori Nguyen, Catherine (Michael) Gaul, Jon-Stephen (Miriam) Vasko, Lindsey (Taylor Davis) Vasko, and Ben (Elena) Vasko; grandchildren, Jennifer, Steven, Jasmine, Jetly, Jordan, Christopher, Christian, Gabriella, Kaelynn, Bayleigh, Maisey, Eoin; and great-grandchildren, Jayden and Charlotte.
Judy was a talented painter, cake decorator, seamstress, jewelry maker, hobbyist, and homemaker, as well as a loving wife. Her husband, John, already misses her honesty, her love for their children - both hers and his - and above all, the everyday joy of going places and doing things with Judy. In John’s words, the world has lost a “good, good person.”
We are heartbroken to have lost Judy but feel peace knowing she is in the arms of her Lord and no longer in pain. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alamogordo Home Health Care and Hospice and its staff for providing the compassionate care that eased Judy’s passing and her family’s grief.
A memorial service will be held in Michigan at a later date. In lieu of cards and flowers, donations may be made in Judy’s memory to Alamogordo Home Health Care and Hospice or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The Haynes-Vasko family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home, Inc. to direct the services.
