Judith F. Chrisjohn

Judith Faith Chrisjohn, 82, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2021 at Northern Dutchess Hospital. She was born in Syracuse, on February 6, 1938 to the late Florence Chrisjohn and Hesley Hill. She was later adopted by Richard Chrisjohn when her widowed mother remarried.  Judy was extremely proud of her Iroquois Confederacy (Oneida and Onondaga) heritage and her children. She was a woman of many talents, and attended many Native American Pow Wows where she sold her crafts.. silver work, dreamcatchers, beadwork, feather earrings. She also set up a food booth that sold Oneida fry bread as well as other native foods. She was an artist who excelled especially in painting. Judy was an activist in seeking political rights for her people by attending various gatherings to speak out and show unity. She was outspoken but also epitomized the cultural values of assisting others in many ways but especially in having an open home where she took in Native foster children, relatives needing a place, and people visiting from out of state. She raised her children to be proud of their heritage living out the values of hospitality and inner strength before them. She was always there for them through thick and thin. 

Judy was very proud of her children's achievements but more concerned with their inner character. She wasn't always serious; she loved to laugh, had a wicked sense of humor and was an avid bingo player. One of her greatest achievements was her contribution to IBM. She was hired as a solderer, but actually was the one who had to fix a mistake in the mainframe. It took three months but she fixed the issue and saved the day. She will be sorely missed by family and friends but she definitely left her mark!

Judith is survived by her four children;  Peter (Kim) of Florida, Jeanne (Dave) Ball of North Carolina, Kevin (LuAnn) Wendover, of Milan, and Edith Wendover of Oneida, NY.   She leaves 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, her siblings Valerie (George) Nikolatas, Tina (Gary) Wyant, Steven (Joy) Chrisjohn, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. 

In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband Peter E. Wendover, daughter Cindy Wendover Beglan, sister, Rita Benson Chrisjohn, brothers Vernon “Tula” and Richard “Terry”.

A memorial service will be held in the springtime.

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