Judith Ann Cholak

Judith Ann Cholak, 69, of Ohiopyle, died peacefully at home on May 15 surrounded by family after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her friendship and kind spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Judy was born June 2, 1947 in Washington, the daughter of the late Nicholas Greco and Patricia Frank Greco. Judy attended Edinboro College and received her degree in art education. After teaching briefly in the Dominican Republic, she substitute taught in Washington and the surrounding areas before becoming an ophthalmologic assistant with Dr. Ronald Salvitti and Dr. Lisa Cibik. Later, Judy transitioned to social work, worked for Community Action of Greene County and then retired from Community Action of Washington County in 2011.  

Widowed from her first marriage to Paul Douglas Capps of Bridgeton, NJ in 1971, and divorced from her second to Samuel F. DeJeet Jr. of New Eagle in 1985, she met and later married Dennis J. Cholak of Meadowlands. They celebrated 21 years of marriage and 31 years together this spring. Fellow artists and kindred spirits, Judy and Den made their home in Greene County on 136 acres just outside of Graysville.  ‘The farm’ was a gathering place for family and friends for many years, provided inspiration for Judy’s artwork, and a source of fresh herbs and vegetables for her son’s growing food business. Her daughter was married there in 2003.  Judy joined the local bird club, and took her granddaughters along for bird counts and nature walks when they were old enough. In 2013, Judy and Den downsized to five acres in Ohiopyle in Fayette County. Judy wanted a home that could hold all of her children and grandchildren at once, which it did several times.

Judy relished in the love and partnership she had with Den. She cherished their life together and also had her independent interests. While in Ohiopyle, Judy took in new sites, began painting again, helped plan community events, joined the Garden Club, and made time for bird counts back in Greene County.

Judy was a devoted mother; she supported and took an active interest in her children’s lives and visited them wherever their lives had taken them. She was a trusted confidant and advisor, spoke by phone with at least one of her children daily, and loved to share their stories and accomplishments with friends.

Judy was also an enthusiastic and proud grandmother to Lily, 14, and Lauren, 11, Capps of Canfield, OH; Sam, 10, and Carmen, 8, Bartlett of Cape Cod, MA, and traveled to attend their many birthdays and performances over the years. She was especially happy to host her grandchildren at the farm and help them explore nature, or make pasta and biscotti in her new kitchen in Ohiopyle.  

In addition to her husband and four grandchildren, Judy is survived by her sister Cynthia Greco of Washington; her three loving children, Jason Capps of Canonsburg; Nicole DeJeet (John) Bartlett of Cape Cod, MA; Bret DeJeet of Warner-Robins, GA; and one step-child, Dennis J. Cholak Jr. of Meadowlands. Judy leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and an aunt/uncle. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother Donald, and sister Carolyn.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, June 3, from 1-4pm at Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ralph K. Bell Bird Club Scholarship Fund c/o Marjorie Howard 149 Preachers Road, Waynesburg, PA  15370.