Richard Catalina (1970)

I knew Judy quite well from our Winthrop JHS and Wingate HS days. We were great buddies. I got a chance to meet her mom, dad and siblings when they lived on Lenox Road in Brooklyn. Judy's family could not have been nicer to me. Judy was truly something else. She was an avid reader and was dedicated to her school studies. She studied harder than anyone I ever knew. It paid off because she became class valedictorian. She won a scholarship to Wellesley College and also finished off at Brooklyn College to be close to home. She majored in Education.

Judy met Jeff Oppenberg in the mid 1970's as he was studying dentistry and they married shortly thereafter. They moved to the Tampa and Largo areas of Florida where Judy became an elementary school teacher. She was always good with children, and an incredible teacher, so she truly found her perfect niche in life.

Judy developed neuropathy which affected her nerves and the pain was pretty severe. The neuropathy took its toll on her, and sadly, she passed away on December 8, 2018. She had her beloved Jeff by her side all the time. The Oppenbergs had no children.

Although Judy and I had not been in touch for a number of years, her passing truly saddened me. To lose such a vibrant, caring and giving person is so painful. However, I will always hold onto the bond and closeness we had for each other at the height of our friendship.

May Judy Cooperman Oppenberg Rest In Eternal Peace, for she will never be forgotten.