Judith Canaday Sassano, 84, of Wellesley, MA beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024 surrounded by family and loved ones.
Judith was born to Fay and Donald Canaday on June 17, 1940, in Alton, Illinois. She fondly remembered spending time on her grandfather’s farm where she developed her love of horses. After graduating from High School in Memphis, Judy earned a degree from the College of Nursing in 1964 at the University of Tennessee where she met her future husband Felix. They married on February 28, 1965, and eventually settled in his hometown of Wethersfield, CT, where she dedicated herself to raising their four children. After they were grown, Judy returned to nursing and served those in need as a visiting nurse with Care At Home until her retirement. Judy was an enthusiastic equestrian and was the proud owner of three thoroughbred horses in her lifetime: a Dutch Warmblood, a Lipizzan, and a Morgan. Riding and spending time at the barn in Glastonbury, CT, was truly one of the great joys in her life. Judy was also an avid crafter, an accomplished seamstress, and enjoyed drawing and painting as well as creating jewelry using intricate beadwork. She was a voracious reader known to read a book a day and truly loved being immersed in nature. After the passing of her husband, Judy relocated to Wellesley to be near her family. She became a beloved member of the Glen Grove community and enjoyed attending many classes and events held by The Council on Aging at the Tolles Parsons Center. She enjoyed living so close to the library and walked nearly everyday on the Brook Path.
Judy survived cancer in 2013 demonstrating the perseverance and quiet strength she was known for throughout her lifetime. She was loved dearly by those who were fortunate enough to know her and will be greatly missed by those she’s left behind.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Felix Gerard Sassano, M.D., and is survived by her four children: John Sassano, Donna Sturtevant, Emily Redmond and Susan Perrino and her 12 grandchildren.
Per her request, there will be an intimate family gathering for her remembrance in lieu of a service. Please remember Judy by donating books to those in need or supporting nature preservation causes.