Memorial trees planted for:

Judith "Judy" Zita English

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mom, sister, and friend, Judith “Judy” Zita English, 67, formerly of Danbury and Redding, Connecticut. Judy passed peacefully at St. Vincent’s Medical Center after a courageous two-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved daughters and devoted sons-in-law in her final moments, held in love until her very last breath. Born on September 14, 1957, in DeWillem, British Guyana, Judy was the third of four children to Herman and Philomena Elias. In 1972, at the age of 15, she immigrated to New York with her family before ultimately making her home in Danbury, Connecticut. Judy built a life grounded in love, resilience, deep faith, and joy. An area resident since 1986, Judy was a nurturing and fiercely devoted mother to her three children. She was a proud “track” and “dance” mom, never missing a meet, recital, or competition—always cheering from the front row. Her faith was the steady heartbeat of her life, guiding her through times of celebration and sorrow with quiet strength and abundant grace. Judy lived her life in full color and faced her illness with extraordinary courage and grace, never allowing it to define her. Her spirit remained strong, and her love for her family and friends only deepened throughout her journey.  Known for her luminous smile, bold fashion sense, and signature red and pink lipsticks, she lit up every room she entered. She loved to dance and garden-- finding solace in nature’s beauty. Judy was recently an associate with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and previously worked as a legal clerk at the law offices of McGetrick and Pitterman in Danbury.  She is now reunited with her beloved son, Ryan Scott English, who passed tragically in 2010; her parents, Philomenia (Barcellos) and Herman Elias; and her sister-in-law, Joan Elias. While her passing leaves an unfillable space, her family finds peace knowing she is held in God’s eternal care and reunited with those she missed dearly. Judy is survived by her daughters Shannon English (Brian Cranwell) of Stratford, CT  and Brianna English (Matthew Green) of Brooklyn, NY; her brothers, Osbert “David” Elias, Nigel (Marjorie) Elias, and Paul (Carmen) Elias; her loving crew of nieces and nephews: Paul, Kane, Joshua, Leta, Kaitlin, Jonathan, Shawna, Geryena, Gina, Breanne, Baby Anthony; Aunt Olive Elias, Uncle Albert Barcellos and many cousins in Canada. Shannon and Brianna would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their mom’s dedicated and compassionate medical team especially, Dr. Demopoulos, Dr. Iannuzzi, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Wang, Nicole Sandilands APRN, Vicki Ogden, the oncology & infusion center staff; Jahaira, Tanisha, Sam, Sylvia, all of the nurses on the 6th and 9th floors and her dedicated oncologist, Dr. “Z” Zelkowitz, who fought tirelessly with her.  Friends will be received on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will follow on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Interment will be private. The family requests that bright colors, prints and/or patterns be worn. The funeral mass livestream can be accessed by clicking the link here: <a href="https://www.sesparish.org/#livestream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sesparish.org/#livestream</a> Judy loved flowers and would be touched to see them in abundance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Ann’s Place of Danbury. After the services, floral arrangements will be donated to brighten the day and spread joy to the clients of Ann’s Place.

September 14, 1957 - June 26, 2025

Share Obituary:

48 Trees have been planted in memory of Judith English.

Plant a tree

Memorial Trees

Anonymous

July 07, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Anonymous

July 07, 2025

The planting of 10 memorial trees in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

<3 Lindsay + Kaylan

July 07, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by <3 Lindsay + Kaylan. Plant a tree

We are so sorry for your loss. Judy was an incredible woman. Sending all our love your way and here if you need anything.

Anonymous

July 07, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Ilegal Mezcal Family

July 07, 2025

The planting of 10 memorial trees in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Ilegal Mezcal Family. Plant a tree

Were so sorry for your loss, Bri. Many of us had the pleasure of meeting your mom, her vibrant spirit left a lasting impression. Were here for you and holding you in our hearts through this time.

Your New York Family xoxo.

July 06, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Your New York Family xoxo.. Plant a tree

We are so heartbroken for your loss. We hope this grove of trees grow into a fitting tribute to Judys strength and beauty. Always here for you. x

Gisela Buan and Emilia Fonseca.

July 05, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Gisela Buan and Emilia Fonseca.. Plant a tree

Brianna and Shannon,
Sending so much love and strength. The memories will remain in our hearts. She was a beautiful soul.

Anonymous

July 02, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

The Tinked Girls.

July 02, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by The Tinked Girls.. Plant a tree

We love you always. Rest in peace beautiful Judy. The ultimate warrior.

Maribel M

July 01, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Maribel M. Plant a tree

Shannon & Brianna, please accept my deepest sympathy, Judy was an amazing woman, friend, mother, and always talked so highly of you girls she was so proud of you all. I will miss her dearly.

Michael Landeen

June 30, 2025

The planting of 10 memorial trees in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Michael Landeen. Plant a tree

The Starrett-Lehigh family sends their sincerest condolences to the English Family.

To honor her memory, we have planted 10 trees in her honor. May they grow as a reminder of her life.
Judy RIP

Love Aunt Suzanne, Kira, Devin & Lauren

June 30, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Love Aunt Suzanne, Kira, Devin & Lauren. Plant a tree

Dear Shannon & Brianna,
Our deepest condolences for this unimaginable loss. We are holding you both in our thoughts and prayers and we love you. Sending you both strength and support.

Jeff and Kate

June 29, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by Jeff and Kate. Plant a tree

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

The Valentines

June 27, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by The Valentines. Plant a tree

Brianna + Matt and Shannon, We are so sorry for your unimaginable loss . May your mothers memory live through you everyday. She will always be with you. Our deepest condolences. Sending you strength.

The staff at Kane Funeral Home

June 26, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Judith "Judy" Zita English has been arranged by The staff at Kane Funeral Home. Plant a tree

We plant this tree as a living memorial to Judith. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

View Full Tribute