The following story was originally posted on Sept. 10, 2021 … after a chat with Mr. Ray Taylor on is way to the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair. With the very sad news today of Mr. Taylor’s passing, we are reprising it in his honor. As all in the area grapple with the death of this cornerstone of the borough and we struggle to pay the best of tributes to him in a story, this serves as a simple, happy reminder of what really matters. Rest In Peace, Mr. Taylor, the best of best friends to Fair Haven. We will always remember. Read on. Remember. Smile …
“I got to keep movin’!”
That’s the first thing that came out of 98-year-old Ray Taylor’s mouth when R-FH Retro ran into him doing his usual walking and savoring the smallest of moments in his Fair Haven hometown.
Native Rumsonite, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate, volunteer and area dental hygienist, Judy Hoyt Dorn, of Ocean Township, formerly of Little Silver, died peacefully at home on Jan. 11 after a long illness.
She is remembered in many capacities, from school to work to church to family and to animals.
Judy Hoyt Dorn Photo/family via Thompson Memorial Home
“Judy was known for her warm personality and giving heart, regularly putting herself before others. Over the years, she volunteered with the Little Silver First Aid Squad; at the Red Bank Salvation Army; and as a Reading Buddy at the Red Bank Primary School. A member of the First Presbyterian Church at Rumson for her entire life, Judy enjoyed the fellowship and faith the church community shared. Her hours of volunteer work with the church and its community reflect the strong faith she carried throughout her life. She loved tending her flower and vegetable gardens, and summer after summer she shared bushels of veggies with friends and family. She treasured time with her many friends, whether playing tennis, enjoying the beach in Sea Bright, or just sharing a cup of (black) coffee and breakfast … Whether caring for family pets, thrilling at the sight of a hummingbird at her deck feeder, or trying to pet every dog she met on a trip to Alaska, Judy’s heart embraced all creatures, especially those who needed love the most. She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, ready smile, and wonderful hugs.”
After graduating from RFH, Judy graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene program.
Throughout her career as a hygienist, she worked for several local practices, most recently with Drs. Gardiner and DiTuri, formerly of Fair Haven, now in Shrewsbury.
“Judy’s greatest role was as a wife, mother, and grandmother,” family said in her obituary. “She was a Brownie troop leader, room mother, PTO president, and RBR booster. She rarely missed a chance to cheer on her daughters – and, later, grandchildren – at sporting events, recitals, school programs, or graduations. She and the warm home she created served as the hub for family events of all kinds, most notably her epic Thanksgivings for extended family. Judy adored her four grandchildren, who knew her as Pipsie, and they could always count on her for birthday parties, pool time, or simply having fun playing, baking, or reading.”
Judy was predeceased by: a sister, Sarah B. Robison; and a brother, Andrew Hoyt.
She is survived by: her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Daniel W. Dorn, Jr.; three appreciative daughters, Cassandra Dorn (Donna Maerz), of West Long Branch; Nancy Smith (Michael), of Little Silver; and Sarah Wichilfil (Steven), of Ocean; four grandchildren, Avery and Hoyt Smith and Ada and Fin’ian Wichilfil; her sister, Cornelia Drew, of Mount Pleasant, SC; and eight nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 5, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church at Rumson, with a celebration of life to follow at The Raven and the Peach, Fair Haven.
Donations to commemorate Judy’s life can be made to the Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls (ahsppz.org).
— Edited obituary provided by family via Thompson Memorial Home
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