“Judy cared deeply about JFS, its work and its staff,” said former board president Stephen Ribner. He served on the JFS board with Judy for over 10 years. “Her generous spirit, encouragement and strength were so meaningful to me,” Ribner added.
Judy died in her home on November 29, 2015 at age 93. She was born in Philadelphia and received her medical degree from the Women’s Medical College in Philadelphia. She had been the director of Medical Services for NYS Department of Mental Retardation from 1968-1989. She was also a preceptor in the Department of Ethics and a member of the Admission Committee at Albany Medical Center.
Judy’s son Ray (Ethan) Rettig and his wife Christine live in Voorheesville. Judy’s dedication to JFS inspired her son Ray to take up her cause and he became a regular supporter of JFS. While on the JFS board, Judy was the Director, Producer and Writer of our Annual Celebration presentations that dramatically depicted JFS services and their impact on helping so many diverse parts of our community. “She was always in attendance especially during our most challenging times. She would invite us all to her house, feed us, and calmly help us work through the problem,” said Ribner. She was a humble donor, often providing monies to insure programs and services were delivered, without anyone knowing of her contributions. May Judy’s memory always serve as a blessing and inspiration to each of us.
Those wishing to remember Dr. Rettig in a special way may make a memorial contribution to B’YachaD c/o Temple Israel, 600 New Scotland Ave, Albany 12208; Congregation Ohav Shalom, 133 New Krumkill Road, Albany, NY 12208 or to Jewish Family Services, 877 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208 or donate online at JFS.