Judith A. Giglio

Dear Family and Friends,

My work here is done. I have received my call from God, and I was happy to answer. Some may find it strange that I have chosen to write my own obituary or “final chance to share” as I call it, but I figure no one knows me inside-and-out as well as I do. So, here goes.

I was given the gift of life from God and my parents, Margaret Catherine Dellies and Raymond Francis, aka “Tim” Streb, on Tuesday. March 11, 1947, at 9:15a.m. in St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. I was given the name Judith Ann. I would not have been here or become who I am without them.

Do you know what is said about a child born on a Tuesday? “Tuesday’s child is full of grace.” I was a very religions child, chatting with Jesus every day, and I strived to maintain my faith as an adult. I tried my best, but now I’ll be able to ask God how well I did.

My brother, Tim (Timmy to most) was 3 years older, born in 1944, and he was my protector. Three years later in 1950, Timmy and I welcomed a baby sister, Peggy.

I loved growing up in Detroit in the 50s. I was part of a large family with two Grandmothers, Grandpa, several aunts and uncles, and dozens of cousins. I felt surrounded by love and could never quite keep up with all greats or grands, or first or second or once removed relatives. There were so many. All I know is how happy my parents were when family was around.

Our Detroit home on Nottingham was the chosen spot for a family cookout or a neighborhood gatherings with lots of kids. Our backyard was a bit larger, so it was perfect for all the popular games kids played, and in the winter, Dad made an ice-skating rink. We had a swing set and a large wooden green teeter totter that Grandpa had built.

St. Matthew’s School, and Dominican High were the educational settings for my very happy childhood. I LOVED school! Then a change came after my sophomore year at age 15. Our family moved to Huntsville, Alabama, for Dad’s job.

This change opened up a new chapter with completing high school at Sacred Heart Academy, a boarding school in Cullman, Alabama. I then began my journey to become the best elementary classroom teacher ever by attending Sacred Heart College, The University of Alabama, and on to graduate school at Alabama A&M for Reading Specialization.

My teaching years were all taught in various cities in Alabama. I loved my students who ranged from grades 1 through 5 and implemented everything new and innovative in my classroom. Hopefully I touched their precious lives in a positive way.

In 1980, my life brought me to Honesdale, Pa, where I began a new career in educational publishing at Zaner- Bloser. Six year later, I continued as a freelance writer and was privileged to create classroom materials for publishers nationwide. This I did for 24 years.

If you know me, you know doing any kind of craft sets my heart free. Some of you have been the recipients of my creations. I wonder if there are any craft classes in Heaven?

Pennsylvania brought me luck and love. On May 26,1986, I married Salvatore Philip Giglio, a sweetheart of a man “whose heart is bigger than his body” as one friend proclaims. Sal was my support whether it was a time for celebration or loss.

My immediate family left this earth much too soon: Timmy (1979), Mom (1981), Dad (1993), and a sister Peggy (2013). When I was diagnosed with a hereditary kidney disease, Sal was by my side through diagnosis, dialysis, and transplant. While I was receiving my new kidney, Sal was in my hospital room, sanitizing. He was under the bed cleaning when the nurse discovered him. That’s devotion!

Those I leave behind who now must watch over my Sal are my sister-in-law, Josephine Giglio: stepdaughter, Karen Giglio Pelachik and son-in-law Dave; grandsons, Joshua Morgan (Maddy) and Joel Pelachik; nephews Pat Gleason and Wendy with great-niece, Breanna; and Christopher Gleason and Dawn with great-niece, Beth and great-nephew, Tim.

I hope you can join family and friends on February 23, 2023 at 10:00 to celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Church Street, Honesdale, PA, with Father William Langan officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Honesdale. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.

Remember me with a smile and bestow an act of kindness on someone today in my memory.

If you wish to give a monetary donation in my name, please send to:
Benedictine Sisters
Sacred Heart Monastery
916 Convent Road NE
Cullman, AL 35055