On a bright and sunny April day, Judy A. Ponitz, 67, of North Huntingdon, died April 27, 2022 peacefully in her home, after several years of courageously battling cancer. She was born March 28, 1955, a daughter of Walter and the late Nancy (Gongaware) Ponitz. Judy retired from Norwin School District in 2013, after 36 years of service. During her tenure, she taught Home Economics and Family and Consumer Science. Judy was the Home Ec Club advisor for many years, a union rep, and she retired as head of the Family and Consumer Science Department. She was a devoted teacher and mentor who went above and beyond to help her students in all aspects of their lives. Judy loved traveling, especially to Hawaii and the Florida beaches. She was happiest with her feet in the sand and a glass of Chardonnay in her hand. Any warm, sunny day, you could find her relaxing at a winery or her parents’ pool. Judy was also a skilled seamstress and decorator who was always willing to share her talents with family and friends. After retirement, she volunteered many hours at St. Vincent DePaul and enjoyed going to lunch and playing cards with her retired teacher friends. Judy was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy G. Ponitz and brother, Scott Paul Ponitz. In addition to her father, Walter E. Ponitz, Jr., Judy is survived by four siblings; Cindy (Randy) Reece, Patty (Hector) Olave, Dotty (Keith) Pritts, and Walter (Thelma) Ponitz III. She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews; Brenda, Robin, Ashlee, Natalie, Hector, Ken, Scott, Hannah, and Nick; nine great-nieces and nephews and two great-great nieces. They all cherished and loved Aunt Judy, and she adored every one of them; she called them her “kids” since she never had any of her own. Judy also valued the special relationships she had with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Above all, she is survived by her best friend, Barbara Augustin, who was her loving, compassionate, and devoted caregiver throughout her illness. The family is forever indebted to Barb for her commitment to Judy. We would also like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Renee from AHN Healthcare@Home for her exceptional care and dedication. Friends will be received at the Ott Funeral Home, Inc., 805 Pennsylvania Ave, Irwin on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and Saturday from 930 am until 11 am when the service will take place in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P O Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929. To send online condolences please visit www.ottfuneralhome.com