Judith Emily Layton Wolchak died March 16, 2026, at the age of 89, peacefully in her sleep.
She was born Oct. 4, 1936, in Red Bank. Judy attended St. James Grammar School and Red Bank Catholic High School.
After graduating high school, she worked as an operator for Bell Telephone Company for a few years before leaving to raise her children. She met her husband, William J. Wolchak, locally and, after getting married, they lived in Red Bank and Middletown before settling in Shrewsbury with their children, William and Kathleen.
She returned to work in local Hallmark card shops after her children graduated from high school, before retiring at the age of 62. Judy particularly loved reading, mostly cozy mysteries. She also loved watching mystery movies on the Hallmark Channel, as well as “Jeopardy!” and “Dateline.”
Judy was predeceased by her husband William, her sister Anne Layton Binn, and her parents, Francis and Margaret (Patterson) Layton.
She is survived by her children, William and Kathleen, her brother Frank (Elizabeth) of Florida and brother John (Jean) of Wall, as well as several nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews.
Memorial visitation was held March 25 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Interment was March 26 at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a favorite charity.
The article originally appeared in the April 2 – 8, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
