In Memory of Judith P. Kalil

Obituary

Judith P. Kalil

September 1, 1940 – November 11, 2026

Judith P. Kalil, 86, of New Hartford, NY, passed away on November 11, 2026, surrounded by family. Born Sept. 1, 1940, in Syracuse, NY, to parents Richard and Mildred Balamut Przewlocki, Judy was a woman of extraordinary intellect, boundless curiosity, fierce independence and irrepressible humor. Judy lived a remarkable life defined by adventure, accomplishment, kindness and devotion to family.

Proud of her Polish heritage, Judy possessed an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a lifelong passion for history, literature, horticulture and genealogy. She attended Le Moyne College and Utica College, earned her master's degree from Syracuse University and pursued doctoral studies in medieval literature. A scholar of Chaucer who could recite The Canterbury Tales in Middle English, Judy was a voracious reader and gifted conversationalist who delighted in sharing her encyclopedic knowledge of both local and world history. Within the family, “Ask Judy” was a familiar refrain.

Her passion for genealogy was equally formidable. A meticulous researcher, Judy spent countless hours tracing family histories, uncovering long-forgotten ancestors and correcting the historical record. One can only imagine that Ancestry.com's archives are considerably more accurate – and better organized – thanks to her efforts.

Her interests extended far beyond academia. A licensed pilot, accomplished pianist and reggae music producer working inJamaica, Judy embraced life with confidence and curiosity. During her time in Jamaica, the striking American blonde surprised locals with her fluency in Jamaican Patois. Equally fluent in Polish and Arabic, Judy was a gifted linguist whose travels took her from Lebanon to London to North Africa and beyond, reflecting an adventurous spirit and a life richly lived.

Judy's formidable intellect was matched by her quick wit and mischievous sense of humor. Family dinners were filled with colorful stories, spirited exchanges and laughter, often punctuated by playful banter with her husband, Waddie. A woman of exacting standards and strong opinions, she maintained an immaculate home, approached everything with meticulous attention to detail and was never shy about speaking her mind.

Above all, Judy's greatest legacy is the exceptionally close and devoted family she and Waddie raised together over their 66-year marriage. As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she helped shape generations through her wisdom, strength, humor and unwavering devotion. The enduring bonds among her family are a testament to the values she instilled.

Known affectionately as Mom, Mama Ju Ju and Judy, she was a woman who challenged convention, embraced adventure and lived life on her own terms.

It seems especially fitting that Judy, so proud of her Polish roots, passed away on Polish Independence Day. Those who knew her can easily imagine her in heaven, sharing a bit of historical wisdom, delivering a perfectly timed quip, training dogs or making certain the flowerbeds in the Garden of Eden are arranged just so.

Judy leaves behind a lifetime of extraordinary stories, cherished memories and a legacy of love, laughter and learning.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Waddie N. Kalil, Esq.; her children, Michael N. Kalil, Esq. (Mary), Karen Kalil-Weiss (Arnold Weiss), Elizabeth Kalil and Christopher J. Kalil, Esq.; her grandchildren, Kacie Crouse, Esq. (Matt), Lauren Kalil, Michael N. Kalil, Jr. (Payton), Zachary Weiss and LTJG Maya Weiss, USN; and her great-grandchildren, Colton and Blake Crouse. She is also survived by beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Calling hours will be held Friday, Nov. 20, from 4:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m., at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd, New Hartford. The funeral will be on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 12:00 noon at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger St., Utica, NY, where the Divine Liturgy for the Faithful Departed will be celebrated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Memorial Foundation, Attn. Meghan Dougherty,150 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY 13346, or online at www.communitymemorial.org/foundation.

Jezu Ufam Tobie — Jesus, I trust in You.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.