Mary Julia Wilson Nessa died in her home in New Hope, PA, on Friday, August 2.
“Judy” as she was called, was born in Greenville, MS, where she developed a love for riding horses and spending time outside. She moved frequently during her childhood as an “army brat,” at one point residing in Japan. She is a graduate of Rosemary Hall [currently Choate Rosemary Hall] in Greenwich, CT, where she participated in the school choir, served as riding captain, and made lifelong friends. She continued her education at Bennett College in Dutchess County, NY, before moving to Bucks County, PA, to live with her parents, Col. Massey F. Wilson and Mary Robertshaw Wilson. Here, she met Neil Alden Nessa, who would become a Pan American pilot and New Jersey Air National Guard fighter pilot. They married in 1966 in Big Spring, TX, where Nessa was attending flight school.
Judy lived in New Hope, PA with her family for 50 years, where she made lifelong friends and served her community. She loved taking her young children and dogs to the Delaware river in New Hope and Washington Crossing. She served on the board of directors of the Jericho Valley Community Center —an historic Bucks County school building dating back to 1850 that later became a meeting place for many community events and classes. Here, she managed events including the well-known “covered dish supper,” as well as the upkeep of the building, including an instrumental renovation in the 1990s.
Judy was known for her intelligence, keen sense of character, and humor. She brought much laughter to many during her time and will be remembered as a no-nonsense individual with ever present class, style, and integrity. She is survived by her son, Christopher Alden Nessa of New Hope, PA, and daughter, Catherine Wilson Nessa, of Centreville, DE. A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, August 12 at 11:30 a.m. at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church in New Hope, PA. In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the Bucks County SPCA.
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