Judy Simon Kirschenbaum passed away February 5, 2023 after a long battle with advanced heart failure in Raleigh, NC.
Judy grew up in Rye, New York, and was a graduate of Rye High School in 1963. She was the daughter of the late Mortimer and Madeline Simon. Following her graduation from Syracuse University in 1966 she married Bruce Kirschenbaum that same summer. They lived in New York City while she worked at J. Walter Thompson and he attended Columbia Law School. They then moved to Northern Virginia where Bruce went on to serve as Assistant to Mayor Abe Beame and then became Deputy Assistant to President Jimmy Carter. Judy joined Bruce in all of the wonderful opportunities these positions opened up for her to meet many interesting people, a lifelong passion for making friends with almost everyone she met.
During her early years in the Washington Area, Judy taught natural childbirth in Northern Virginia. She then became a regular Volunteer Information Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution and over her long career became known for her growing knowledge of the Smithsonian’s collections. Working at the Air & Space Museum, the Castle, and several art galleries, she became known for her humor and enthusiastic knowledge of the Museums.
Judy was expert at needlepoint and her annual Xmas ornaments for friends and family were each unique and meaningful and became treasured keepsakes to this day.
Judy and Bruce were together 60 years and have three sons, Robert, Ari and Jamie. One of their favorite family events were multiple visits to Disney World with their grandchildren Mason, Isobel, Riley and Simone.
After living 46 years in Reston Virginia, Judy and Bruce moved to Raleigh, North Carolina and where they recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.
Most of all Judy is remembered by all for her sweetness, kindness and laughter. “You Fill Up Our Senses Come Fill Us Again.”
Services will be held at a later time.
