In Memory of Judith Lee (Dutcher) Vibbard

Obituary

Judith Lee (Dutcher) Vibbard, of Clinton, NY, and formerly of Utica, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at LutheranCare. She was born on October 6, 1944, in Utica, NY, the daughter of the late William A. and Helen M. (Schrader) Dutcher. 

Judy was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, Class of 1962, and continued her education at the Utica Psychiatric Center School of Nursing, graduating in 1965. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor and spending many years recovering including having to relearn how to walk, she later completed her Bachelor of Arts degree through Utica College in 1978.

Judy dedicated her career to caring for others and worked at the Utica Psychiatric Center as an RN from 1962 until her retirement in 1990.

A devout Catholic, Judy was a woman known for her warmth, kindness, and beautiful smile. She was extremely social and loved spending time with her friends and family. Judy was rarely without her  lipstick, perfume, or lapel pins and was always dressed to the nines. She also enjoyed hosting, making jewelry and serving her famous ham loaf. A regular at Friendly’s, she frequented many restaurants and was affectionately notorious for asking to be seated with anyone that is dining alone, as you never know when you may make a new friend!

Judy’s greatest joy was being surrounded by the people she loved. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her sense of style, her welcoming nature, and the love she shared so freely with those around her.

She is survived by her sisters, Patricia A. Delaney (Dutch) and Cynthia J. Dutcher; nieces and nephews, Arthur Delaney (Juleen), Ted Misiaszek, Colleen Lee, Lorrie Paul (Stephen), Ronald Roberts (Lynn), and Amy Roberts; her cousin, Sandy Hill who visited Judy often; as well as many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. Along with her special friend, Richard.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Jacqueline Roberts; two brother-in-laws, Daniel C. Delaney and Duane H. Roberts; and nieces Christine Misiaszak and Paula Delaney.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to LutheranCare for their dedicated care and service, especially Mark, who treated Judy with a great deal of respect and kindness.

A funeral will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m at the Chapel at LutheranCare, 108 Utica St., Clinton, NY 13323. Interment will follow in Prospect Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation to Spring Farm Cares, 3364 State Route 12, Clinton, NY.

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com