Judith S. 'Judy' Shapiro

Judith “Judy” Sarayda Shapiro, age 62, passed away in a Clearwater, Florida hospital on February 22, 2025, after a long illness.

Judy grew up in Orange County, New York, graduating from Middletown (NY) High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania. As a National Science Foundation fellowship awardee, she went on to earn her master’s degree and Ph.D. in social psychology at the Institute of Social Research of University of Michigan.

Judy taught psychology at three Michigan institutions of higher learning: Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti; Madonna University in Livonia; and Schoolcraft College in Livonia.

Judy was a master gardener and active in Project Grow, a community garden in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She enjoyed travel and reading and was a fan of science fiction and the Harry Potter series. She was a long-time vegetarian and cared very much about the welfare of animals.

Health problems forced Judy to retire from her career early. Judy and her husband moved from Ann Arbor to Florida in 2021. They resided in Clearwater, Florida most recently.

Judy was married to Thomas “Tom” Snoblen, who demonstrated boundless love and care throughout her lengthy illness. In addition to her husband, Judy leaves her sister, Joan Shapiro, Joan’s husband, Luther Turmelle, and their sons Zachary and Jacob Turmelle. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Kathy Hawk, Carrie Strait, Julie Fegan, Patty Snoblen, Liz Snoblen, and their families. Judy also leaves her uncle Leonard Shapiro, his wife, Judy Honig, and several cousins. Judy was predeceased by her mother, Miriam Shapiro, her father, Norman Shapiro, her sister, Deborah Shapiro, and her stepmother, Sabina Shapiro.

Burial took place in New Jersey.

Donations can be made in Judy’s memory to BestFriends.org.

Heritage Funeral Care, Largo Florida is serving the family.