Judith Anne “Judy” (Wertenberger) Palazzo, 71, of Key Largo, Florida, passed peacefully in her sleep at her favorite home in Denver, North Carolina, on July 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, and the love of her life at her side, husband Joe Palazzo.
Born on June 15, 1955, to Dr. George and Margaret Wertenberger, Judy was raised in a loving home on Cedar Point Chausee in Sandusky, Ohio, where the shores of Lake Erie nurtured her lifelong love of nature and the water. Growing up in that unique place, she developed a deep affection for boating, water skiing, and fishing-joys that stayed with her throughout her life and reflected her adventurous, outdoors-minded spirit.
Judy, loving wife of Joe, with whom she would have shared 29 years of marriage this September, shared deep affection, humor, and unwavering companionship. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, welcome, and everyday kindness that becomes a legacy. Joe fondly recalls becoming smitten by Judy at 11 years old – on the first day of 7th Grade – when he met her at the Woolworth Store lunch counter in downtown Sandusky.
Raised within the strong and close-knit Wertenberger family, Judy embodied the values of generosity, resilience and quiet determination. She approached life with thoughtfulness and sincerity, offering comfort without fanfare and love without condition.
Judy found deep joy in the natural world. She loved the quiet companionship of the deer that visited her yard and took delight in feeding the birds that gathered at her home. These peaceful rituals reflected her spirit-patient, nurturing, and attuned to the beauty in everyday moments. Her compassion extended to animals as well. Judy loved dogs deeply and rescued as many as she could, welcoming them into her home with tenderness and unwavering devotion. Each dog she cared for became part of her extended family, and her commitment to giving them safety and love was one of the most heartfelt expressions of her generous nature.
A graduate of Sandusky High School, Class of 1973, Judy also possessed a natural talent for managing both business and people. She earned the trust and respect of colleagues through her steady leadership, clear communication, and calm, thoughtful approach. She had an intuitive ability to bring out the best in others, and her skill in organizing, guiding, and supporting those around her made her an invaluable presence in every workplace she touched. She was a marksman, developing and testing her skills at the Erie County Conservation League. She enjoyed swimming and scuba diving throughout her life, finding in the water a sense of calm, freedom, and renewal. Whether gliding across a lake, relaxing in a pool, or casting a fishing line into the water, Judy embraced the serenity and joy that the outdoors offered her.
Judy treasured family togetherness and hosted reunions many times over the years. She had a gift for creating spaces where people felt welcome, cared for, and connected. Her reunions were filled with laughter, shared stories, and the comfort of belonging-moments that became cherished memories for all who attended.
Her presence was a source of calm and reassurance. Judy’s laughter-soft, warm, and often accompanied by a knowing smile-was a gift to family and friends alike. She listened deeply, cared wholeheartedly, and lived with a grace that left an enduring imprint on those around her.
She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Lynn Sellards (and husband Leon) of Waynesville, North Carolina, and Susan Wertenberger of Avon, Ohio. Judy cherished her role as an aunt, holding close nieces Kara Tolman (and husband Chad) and Kate Holowitz (and husband Mitchell), and nephews Evan Whitehead, Scott Bellman, Dustin Bellman (and wife Britney), Joel Bellman (and wife Lana). Each carries forward memories of her steady encouragement, her gentle humor, and the unmistakable warmth she brought into every room. Judy is preceded in death by parents Dr. George and Margaret Wertenberger, brother Jerry Wertenberger, and nephew Ryan Bellman.
Judy’s sudden passing has left a profound absence in the lives and hearts of those she loved – an absence that reminds us how irreplaceable she is.
Friends may call on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky with Pastor Tom Holzaepfel officiating. Inurnment will follow at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Judith’s memory may do so to Upper Keys Humane Society Inc, 101617 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 or online at https://ukhsociety.org/donate.
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