Judith "Judy" Zita English

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mom, sister, and friend, Judith “Judy” Zita English, 67, formerly of Danbury and Redding, Connecticut. Judy passed peacefully at St. Vincent’s Medical Center after a courageous two-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved daughters and devoted sons-in-law in her final moments, held in love until her very last breath.

Born on September 14, 1957, in DeWillem, British Guyana, Judy was the third of four children to Herman and Philomena Elias. In 1972, at the age of 15, she immigrated to New York with her family before ultimately making her home in Danbury, Connecticut. Judy built a life grounded in love, resilience, deep faith, and joy.

An area resident since 1986, Judy was a nurturing and fiercely devoted mother to her three children. She was a proud “track” and “dance” mom, never missing a meet, recital, or competition—always cheering from the front row. Her faith was the steady heartbeat of her life, guiding her through times of celebration and sorrow with quiet strength and abundant grace.

Judy lived her life in full color and faced her illness with extraordinary courage and grace, never allowing it to define her. Her spirit remained strong, and her love for her family and friends only deepened throughout her journey.  Known for her luminous smile, bold fashion sense, and signature red and pink lipsticks, she lit up every room she entered. She loved to dance and garden-- finding solace in nature’s beauty. Judy was recently an associate with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and previously worked as a legal clerk at the law offices of McGetrick and Pitterman in Danbury. 

She is now reunited with her beloved son, Ryan Scott English, who passed tragically in 2010; her parents, Philomenia (Barcellos) and Herman Elias; and her sister-in-law, Joan Elias. While her passing leaves an unfillable space, her family finds peace knowing she is held in God’s eternal care and reunited with those she missed dearly.

Judy is survived by her daughters Shannon English (Brian Cranwell) of Stratford, CT  and Brianna English (Matthew Green) of Brooklyn, NY; her brothers, Osbert “David” Elias, Nigel (Marjorie) Elias, and Paul (Carmen) Elias; her loving crew of nieces and nephews: Paul, Kane, Joshua, Leta, Kaitlin, Jonathan, Shawna, Geryena, Gina, Breanne, Baby Anthony; Aunt Olive Elias, Uncle Albert Barcellos and many cousins in Canada.

Shannon and Brianna would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their mom’s dedicated and compassionate medical team especially, Dr. Demopoulos, Dr. Iannuzzi, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Wang, Nicole Sandilands APRN, Vicki Ogden, the oncology & infusion center staff; Jahaira, Tanisha, Sam, Sylvia, all of the nurses on the 6th and 9th floors and her dedicated oncologist, Dr. “Z” Zelkowitz, who fought tirelessly with her. 

Friends will be received on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will follow on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Interment will be private. The family requests that bright colors, prints and/or patterns be worn.

The funeral mass livestream can be accessed by clicking the link here: https://www.sesparish.org/#livestream

Judy loved flowers and would be touched to see them in abundance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Ann’s Place of Danbury. After the services, floral arrangements will be donated to brighten the day and spread joy to the clients of Ann’s Place.

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