Judith Amato Dooley, 75, of Monmouth Beach and The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 22, surrounded by her loving family. Judith, or as she was known to most, Jude, was born on Nov. 8, 1946 to parents Salvatore “Tuttie” and Henrietta “Etta” Amato in New York City.
She was raised in Bayonne before moving to Lincroft in 1958. After graduating from Middletown High School, she went on to attend Brookdale Community College
In 1965, she met the love of her life, James J. Dooley Jr., and they wed in 1967, going on to have two children, Patricia Christine, “Trish” in 1970, and James John III “Jimmy” in 1979. They lived in Ocean County before settling in Lincroft in 1976.
When Jude had her children, she decided that her primary role was to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and loving Mom. Jude excelled at propping up Trish and Jimmy and supporting them through the many passions and challenges of their lives, with a truly unconditional love and lots of laughter.
Jude was also passionate about creating and crafting, and took on many different hobbies, including pottery, painting, ceramics and so many more. This passion led to her embracing her entrepreneurial spirit and opening a shop called The House of Plaques, in Toms River, which was open from 1975-1980.
It was there that she was able to share her love of arts and crafts, and teach others how to create their own masterpieces. Through the years, other interests included sewing, candle-making, soap-making, wreath-making, and in later years, jewelry-making.
All of Jude’s family and friends have benefited from her creativity, and have so many cherished jewels and treasures to remember her by. When she wasn’t creating, she loved to travel the world with her kids and her husband, when he had time off from his job as a New Jersey State Trooper.
A lifelong dream of traveling to Egypt was realized in 2009, and other favorite spots included Ireland, Italy, France, Bermuda, cruises to the Caribbean, and of course, anyplace where she could shop “til she dropped.”
Jude was predeceased by her parents, Tuttie and Etta, and her beloved son, Jimmy. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, her daughter Trish, and her husband Robert Budsock, and most precious granddaughter, Christina Cecelia Budsock, “Chrissy” who is lovingly nicknamed “Jude Jr.” because of her love of shopping ‘til she drops, and all things “glam.”
Jude is also survived by her loyal and loving pup, Seamus, who will miss all of her kisses, and all of the table food and treats she would surreptitiously give him. Visitation was at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, Tuesday, June 28, and a Mass of Celebration of Life was held at Saint Leo the Great RC Church, Lincroft on Wednesday, June 29, followed by entombment at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.
The article originally appeared in the June 30 – July 6, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
