Judith S. Golish, 79, passed away on Thursday (April 17, 2025) at Noyes Hospital in Dansville, following a brief illness.
Judy was born on November 7, 1945 in Wellsville to John A. and Virginia S. (Lewis) Graves. She was a 1963 graduate of Wellsville Central School. On February 8, 1965, she married the love of her life, Darrell E. Golish, who preceded her in death on November 16, 2014.
Judy chose to devote her time to the nurture of her family during their growing up years. Later, she joined Jan & Bev’s Home Health Care as a health aide. She served others in this capacity for 25 years, retiring in 2011.
Judy is survived by her five children, Deborah Golish, Douglas Golish, Kenneth Golish, and Tracy Golish, all of Wellsville and Kevin Golish of Andover; a brother, Karl (Patty) Graves of Wellsville; two daughters-in-law, Tracy Yanik and Rhonda Wilkins; four sisters-in-law, Jeanine Graves, Joyce Waters, Arlene Golish, and Patricia Golish; two brothers-in-law, Joe Pridgen and Willliam “Bill” Golish; 11 grandchildren, Heather Gaus, Travis Golish, Ashley Golish, Shaun (Molly) Golish, Sheri Golish; Aaron Golish, Kyle Golish, Sara Golish, Felicity Golish, Jessica Button and Jennifer Button; 13 great grandchildren, Cody Igel, Connor Igel, Kaleb Gaus, Alexis Anderson, Avery Anderson, Emily Wilson, Jade Wilson, Shane Golish, Landon Truax, Joey Anderson, Brody Prescott, Ellie Hand, Amelia Button and Lyla, coming soon!; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with her husband of 49 years, Judy was preceded in death by a brother, Clayton Graves; two sisters, Juanita Graves and Janet Pridgen; and one grandson, Tyler Golish.
For personal enjoyment, Judy was an avid reader. She also enjoyed attending community events such as yard sales; Maple Fest and Music on the Lawn. She delighted in entertaining her grandchildren in card games such as Poker, Rummy and even Crazy 8’s.
Judy treasured family time. She did a mound of cooking for family cookouts and family gatherings. She made the holidays grand events, lavishing her time and talents upon those she loved. She was the all-time pitcher for the family kickball competitions. Family loved just stopping in anytime, and Judy’s house became remarkably full around dinnertime. Judy was happy to take in strays and loners who quickly became family.
In all of this, Judy loved cracking jokes as she had a prolific sense of humor which was punctuated by her wonderful laugh. At times she could put her foot down and insist on things being done her way but that comes from being the matriarch of a large family. The bottom line was that Judy was a loving and giving person who cherished her family.
There will be a time of visitation on Tuesday (April 22) from 1-3 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation with Rev. Philip Barner of the Andover Alliance Church officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her mother the following day at 2:00 p.m. at Stannards Cemetery in Willing. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Judy’s name may be made to Oishei Children’s Hospital (formerly Buffalo Children’s Hospital), 818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
