Judith Irene Mussgnug-Simmons

Judith Irene Mussgnug-Simmons, 81, of Amherst, VA passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024, with her daughter close by her side; her passing was painless and peaceful.

The daughter of Louis Mussgnug and Sophia Mayersak of New York, NY, Judy is survived by four of her five children: Edward and Mark Schaerfl, and Daniel Marcellino and Jenny Crain (née Marcellino), as well as her brother: Gerald Mussgnug.

Born in New York City but raised in Bethel, Connecticut, Judy’s earliest memories were of spending time with her Slovakian Nana cooking, along with long hours singing and practicing the piano and organ as a young girl. Other stories her children were fond of hearing involved her childhood pets: an Irish setter (Hillary), pet pigs (Henry & Henrietta), and a monkey who was always up to trouble in her household.

Judy attended the (then) Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, VA from 1960-1964, majoring in organ and minoring in voice. Her musical talents were discovered early in life and Judy followed her dreams all the way to the organ at the National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle, Washington, DC. Her career in music always closely followed her Christian church work, which knew no denominational bounds. Judy lived out her passion for the pipe organ by serving as the organist in many different churches over the years. Judy also accompanied her late husband John, pastoring Baptist churches in Burgess, Millborough, and Madison Heights, VA, as well as Bradenton, FL, where she did everything from directing adult and children’s choirs to developing and coordinating puppet ministries.

Judy was a dedicated mother who prioritized her family over having a professional career. She could always lighten a situation with music or make someone smile with her singing. Judy was known for striking up conversation with anyone, especially strangers! She was a friendly, humble person who loved the outdoors and animals – almost as much as her people; dogs, cats, goats, and chickens were more than family pets to her. Judy was also a gifted teacher and storyteller. While she wanted to pass on to all her children the devout Christian faith she led, they definitely all inherited her stories and a lifelong love of nature.

Judy was preceded in death by her son Matthew Marcellino and her husband John Simmons. She has finished all her assignments and has finally completed a long journey home.

A private family inurnment will be held on Sunday, August 18 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, VA.