"It is with profound sadness that we mourn today the loss of Judy Stanley Coleman, a woman whose impeccable grace, unending generosity and commitment to those less fortunate touched countless lives for the better. While often highly visible in advancing the causes she held dear, Judy's legacy at VNACJ will be seen in the constant, compassionate care delivered each day in homes all across our community" said President and Chief Executive Officer Mary Ann Christopher.
As Chairman of our Board for over three decades, Judy made possible the mission-based, community health care that is the hallmark of our agency. She ensured that we met every need, and served every person, regardless of circumstance. Uniquely comfortable in both our Boardroom and our health centers, Judy's focus was always the same; 'who needs us, and how do we help.'"
Under her leadership, VNACJ grew from a one to 12-county provider of community-based healthcare services to the second largest VNA in the United States. Her passion for better, more accessible health care was matched by her love of community activism, politics, historic preservation and environmental justice. She served her community as Chairperson of the Middletown Township Planning Board for over thirty years, served her region as founder of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, and served as longtime chairperson of the Monmouth County Historical Association, and served her state as its first woman chair of the New Jersey Highway Authority. She was a citizen leader, and a difference maker.
Denise Devine, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees who served with Mrs. Stanley-Coleman for 38 years said, "Judy Stanley Coleman epitomized what a "trustee" should be; she was active, she was generous, and she was compassionate. She has shown us how to both individually and collectively make others' lives better, and this agency will be steadfast in continuing her work."
"Our agency is approaching its Centennial Anniversary. For nearly fifty of our years of service, there was one constant: Judith Stanley Coleman. Her passing closes a most remarkable chapter in the story of the VNACJ, but her contributions will endure for generations to come," Christopher added.
Please Read More About Judy Stanley Coleman's Accomplishments
