Judy Anne Challenger, 82, of Lewes, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, with her children holding her hands.

Judy was born on Nov. 7, 1943, in Tower City, Pa., daughter of the late John and Ida (Helt) Challenger. She grew up in Cressona, Pa., and was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School.

In 1966, she married Paul Fabian and moved to Forestville, Md., where they began raising their three children. Following her role as a stay-at-home mother, after the family moved to Annapolis, Md., in 1977, Judy went on to build a career as an executive legal assistant, commuting from Annapolis to Washington, D.C.

In 1989, she married Bob Zysk, and they lived in Ophelia, Va., on the water, a place she dearly loved. No longer working and raising children, she enjoyed a more leisurely life that included boat rides, picking crabs, socializing with neighbors and friends, and travel.

One of Judy’s greatest joys was the beach. Throughout the years of raising her children, the family made frequent day trips to Rehoboth Beach. It was only fitting that in her final retirement in 2011, she moved to Lewes. There she made many wonderful new friends and created a beautiful life surrounded by the people and places she loved, just steps from the shore.

Judy lived life with warmth, generosity, and a love for bringing people together. She always made her children’s friends feel like family and, as a result, was known as a “bonus mom” to many. All who knew her knew that smile – it lit up a room. Many have said, “That woman never takes a bad picture,” and they were right!

She enjoyed entertaining, traveling, shopping, bird-watching, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and most of all, Christmas. Her family was at the heart of her life, and she treasured the many memories they created together.

She is survived by her children, Jeff Fabian (Sam Shelton), Shelly Fabian (Wendy Verbeek) and Tamy Julian (Brad); and her grandchildren, Cameron Roberts, Joshua Julian (Emily), Emilia Julian, Nicholas Fabian and Benjamin Roberts. In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her sister, Jean Popalis; and her brothers, Jack Challenger, Kim Challenger and Jimmy Challenger.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, Judy’s birthday, in Lewes. All are invited; reach out to the family for details.

Judy leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, memories, and family traditions that will continue through the generations. She will be missed beyond words by everyone whose lives she touched. 

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth, mealsonwheels-lr.org/donate; or Village Volunteers, villagevolunteer.org.

Visit Judy's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.