Julia "Judy" Hoskins Smith Obituary

Julia "Judy" Hoskins Smith, affectionately known as Gramma JuJu, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, NY, on January 15, 2026. Born on March 14, 1945, in Richford, NY, Judy's zest for life and unwavering love for her family left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Judy's journey began as the heart of a close-knit family. She was the beloved matriarch who cherished her daughters, Renee (Bryan) Hewitt, Dannielle (Tim) Cornelius, Brandie (Sean) Lloyd, and Kelly Mosher. Her love multiplied with the arrival of each grandchild, Erika Truchan, Ethan Cornelius, Aaron Cornelius, Mikayla (Wayne) Miller, Rhianna (Derek) Mosher, Haley Cornelius-Wilk (Curtis), Nicholas Lloyd, Hollie Lloyd, and Victoria "Tori" (Thunder) Libke. She was also the proud great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. Judy's siblings, Larry Hoskins and Rusty (Dianne) Hoskins, along with her brother-in-law Dean Gurney, and sisters-in-law Melissa Hoskins and Judy Heeman, will forever hold her memory dear. Many nieces, nephews and their families will fondly cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert R. and Evelyn (Talcott) Hoskins, and her siblings, Cleo and John Wood, Gary Hoskins, Shirley and Raymond Guiles, Sharon Gurney, Raymond and Betty Hoskins, Randy Hoskins, Robert Hoskins, Jr., Donna, who was also her best friend and her husband Harold Arnold, and a brother-in-law John DiStefano.

A proud alumna of Maine Endwell High School's first graduating class of 1963 and a graduate of TC3, Judy's educational endeavors laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit. Judy's Greenhouses, a business she nurtured from a modest 8 x 10 greenhouse in Virginia to an impressive five large greenhouses over 50 years, was a testament to her dedication and green thumb. Her homegrown flowers and hanging baskets brought beauty to countless lives, while her open-door policy created a haven for her daughters' friends. For 25 years, Judy was a familiar face at the Ithaca Farmers Market, where she sold her plants and produce, making many friends along the way.

Beyond her greenhouses, Judy made a mark on her community as a beloved Bus Monitor for Maine Endwell Schools and as the owner of Custom Kitchens, where she crafted handmade cabinetry with love and care. Her passion for life extended to the countryside, which she enjoyed exploring on her Gator, and to the kitchen, where her "gookie chicken" became a family treasure.

To her grandchildren, the melody of "You are my sunshine" will forever be associated with memories of Judy's soothing voice and tender embrace. Her loving, kind, and creative spirit was not only embodied in her personal life but also in the beautiful spaces she created, both in her gardens and in the hearts of those she touched.

As we bid farewell to our mom, we celebrate a life rich in love, family, and beauty. Her unwavering kindness and creative soul have left an everlasting impression on us. We will gather for a period of visitation and sharing memories on Tuesday, January 20th from 4 – 7 pm at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St., Newark Valley. A funeral service and celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 21st at 11 am at the funeral home. Judy will be laid to rest when the flowers bloom and the birds sing in the Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760

Gramma Juju will continue to be a guiding light for her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, but the seeds of love she planted will continue to bloom for generations.