Judith Foster Pytko

OXFORD – Judith Foster Pytko, 87, of Vernon Street, passed away peacefully in her home of 52 years, on Friday, March 22, 2024, with her caregiver and dear friend Tricia White by her side, at the completion of the Lord’s Prayer.  She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 49 years, Paul P. Pytko of Oxford who died in 2006. She is survived by her two children, her daughter, Sarah J. Pytko, and her son, Paul F. Pytko, and his lifetime partner Suzanne White of Oxford, two grandsons, USCG Machinery Technician 1^st Class Stephen F. Pytko of Narragansett R.I. and Nathan G. Pytko and his wife Katrina, along with their two children, her great grandchildren, Eve M. and Dean W. Pytko of Oxford, her brother-in-law Col. A. Russell Pytko, U.S.M.C. (Ret.) of Oxford, sister-in-law’s Jane Lipski of Webster and Ann Stoesz of Sante Fe, New Mexico, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was born in 1936 in Providence, RI, as it was two dollars cheaper than Worcester hospitals, the daughter of the late Roger L. and Sarah H. (Beatty) Foster, and was a lifelong resident of Oxford.

Judith was a graduate of Oxford High School, Class of 1954. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Robert E. Mousseau. While in his employ, Judith entered Worcester City Hospital School for Laboratory Technicians and then went on to complete a 1-year course at Memorial Hospital in Worcester to become a Certified Dental Assistant. She passed her state boards and was capped in Boston as she then assisted Dr. Mousseau in oral surgery for many years. She absolutely loved her job and spoke of it often to her friends and family. When she retired in 1962 after working with Dr. Mousseau for more than seven years to raise her family, Dr. Mousseau said in a recommendation letter that Judith was “loyal and her ability to work conscientiously was exceeded only by her competence. Judith was gracious, congenial and would be an asset to any organization. Needless to say, she has my unqualified recommendation.”

Judith was an active lifetime member of the Oxford United Methodist Church and also served on many Oxford committees and organizations such as the Board of Registrars, worked at the voting poles, Republican Town Committee, Historical Committee, Women’s Club as well as the Sacrarrappa Tennis Club.

Judith saw something good in everyone she met or knew in life, she was always willing to give some one a ride to an appointment or to run an errand. She loved to travel with her husband to many different locations and loved to spend summer days in Jerusalem R.I. even surviving the hurricane of 1954 there.

Judith was a true American Patriot who had unwavering support for our service men and women. She often recalled times during WWII of being at the beach as a young girl remembering soldiers patrolling the coast and the sinking of a German U-boat off the coast of Block Island.

In Judith’s final years the family would like to express their deepest gratitude and are forever grateful for the many people that assisted in her care. Judy attended the Vista Adult Day Program in Charlton for two years. Not only did Kathy, Brenda, Christine, Ann & Deb of Vista bring joy to Judy’s life, but Judy is responsible for starting the tradition of saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing God Bless America every morning, which they continue to do and carry on in her memory. The end of life care she received from the Worcester VNA Hospice by Danielle, Mary, Stephanie, Chris and Ted, as well as her personal care team, Pam, Gifty, Lucy was exceptional and will never be forgotten.  A special thank you goes to Sue and her sister Tricia who headed up her care orchestrating everything and treating her like a second mother.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main St., Oxford.  Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main St., Oxford.

Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.