Judy Elizabeth Iby

Judy Elizabeth Iby, 85, of Leesburg, Florida, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, January 9, 2025. She was lifted up in prayer and support from hundreds of friends in her community and beyond. 

Judy was born in Kingston, New York, to the late George E. and Mary E. (Freer) Clark, their first daughter and matriarch of the family upon their passing. Judy graduated from The Academy of Saint Ursula and the Benedictine Hospital School of Nursing. Judy eventually left New York, moving to New Jersey then to Florida.

In the early days, Judy’s priority was as a daughter, sister, and ultimately mother. She was a fierce advocate for and protector of the people and causes close to her heart. While raising her children and throughout her life, up until her passing, Judy worked tirelessly to help others and serve her community. 

She worked for nearly 30 years as a registered nurse dedicating both professional and personal time to improving the health and well being of children, from running asthma camps to soliciting contributions for pediatric hospital units—a highlight was obtaining gaming systems for long term patients–and bringing holiday joy to community-area children through parties and visits from Santa or the Easter Bunny. 

Judy was also a pet lover, which she channeled to help senior citizens by training her pets to visit nursing homes. This evolved into working extensively with multiple therapy dog organizations and expanding the outreach to seniors, school-aged kids, and the community at large. 

Over the years, Judy contributed significant time to her own Mid Florida Lakes (MFL) community and to many civic organizations. She was instrumental in launching and growing the Mid-Florida Lakes Emergency Response Team, and collaborated frequently with the Lake County emergency team to make MFL a safer place to live. She prepared and delivered meals to senior citizens as needed, especially on holidays, as recently as the Christmas before her passing. She was the go-to person for community information, facilities, and even equipment delivery, such as walkers and wheelchairs for neighbors or car seats for visiting grandchildren. She was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the American Legion Auxiliary to serve veterans. 

And maybe most memorable about Judy, was her determination to live life to the fullest and ability to approach each day with a positive attitude. This Red Hat Society member danced regularly—no one could lindy, line dance, or polka like her. She loved to play softball, sing karaoke, perform with the Mid Florida Lakes Park Players, and dress up and decorate for the holidays. She traveled extensively from Asia to Europe and loved cruising the Caribbean. In her down time, Judy cheered for the New York Yankees and NASCAR driver, Chase Elliott. 

Judy is predeceased by her children, Paul Boot, Jody Boot, and Daniel Boot; husband, Sandor (Alex) Iby; brothers, George E. Clark Jr. and James W. Clark. She is survived by her children, Laurie (Mike) Bennett of Roswell, GA; Lenny (Cindy) Boot of Jacksonville, FL; Kimberly (Gary) Shane of Saint Johns, FL; Dèmi DePompa of Ft Lauderdale, FL; her sister, Mary Beth (Gary) Chiusano of Port Ewen, NY; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of Judy's life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at the Mid Florida Lakes Clubhouse, 188 Forest Dr., Leesburg, Florida. An online guest book is available at www.hardenpauli.com, arranged by Harden-Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.