Judith “Judy” Abrams
ABRAMS: Judith “Judy” Abrams. It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Judy Abrams, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, who departed this world on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. Born on Jan. 30, 1949, in Pittsburgh, Judy lived a life full of grace, kindness and unwavering dedication to her family. She was a beacon of light and warmth to all who knew her. Her journey through life was marked by her loving spirit, her nurturing nature and her unyielding commitment to those she held dear. For 44 wonderful years, Judy shared her life with her devoted husband, David Abrams. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Judy’s legacy continues through her beloved daughters, Kim Petrolo and Molly Petruska. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Michael Petruska, and her treasured granddaughter, Hattie Petruska, who was the light of her life and brought her immense joy. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Sharon Abrams and Maxine Farberow (Jack), several nieces, nephews, many friends, and three cherished grandpups. She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Kazmierski, whose memory she held close to her heart. Judy will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Her love, wisdom and spirit will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Judy devoted her professional life to the education and well-being of young children and to the educators who worked alongside them. A fierce and tenacious advocate for children, families and early childhood practitioners, Judy believed deeply in the competence and potential of every child and the importance of relationships, reflection and lifelong learning. She earned degrees from Carlow University and the University of Pittsburgh and spent almost 40 years at Carnegie Mellon University’s Cyert Center for Early Education, serving as teacher, educational coordinator and later as program director and professional development coordinator until her retirement in 2013. Judy was among the principal leaders who introduced the educational philosophy of Reggio Emilia, Italy, to the Cyert Center in the early 1990s, establishing a foundation that continues to guide the program today. Her influence extended beyond the Cyert Center through her service on the Guiding Board of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (2004-2009) and her work as an educational consultant with the Pittsburgh Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative (2014-2019). Judy was deeply loved and admired by those who knew her, earning both extraordinary affection and profound respect through her warmth, wisdom, humor and unwavering convictions. Her legacy lives on through the countless educators she inspired and mentored, and the generations of children and families whose lives she enriched. Visitation and a service honoring and celebrating Judy’s life will be held on Nov. 14, 2026, at Wolfe Memorial, LLC, Forest Hills Chapel, located at 3600 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh PA 15221. Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects, sharing stories and remembering the remarkable woman who touched so many lives. A public Celebration of Life is planned for spring 2027. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Judy Abrams Memorial Fund, established in her honor to support professional learning at the Cyert Center and throughout the broader early childhood community, carrying forward her lifelong commitment to educators and the children and families they serve. PJC
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