Judy Elizabeth “Bessie” Hill

Judy Elizabeth “Bessie” Hill, age 75, of Chaptico, MD, passed away on November 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  Born December 23, 1950, in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of the late Johnson William Russell and Mary Elizabeth Spalding Russell.

Judy worked for the Department of Education in support of the Office of Inspector General as a Management Analyst.  She retired in December of 2004 after 34 years, 5 months, and 19 days of civilian service.

Judy married her husband, Patrick Eugene “Pat” Hill on June 27, 1970, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Morganza, MD.  Their 56 years of marriage were rooted in unwavering devotion and a shared commitment to the family they built together.  They found great joy in raising their son, Patrick Russell “Rusty,” and creating a life centered on the people they loved.

Judy was a devoted Catholic who lived a faith-filled life focused on her family and friends.  She was actively involved in her parish, Our Lady of the Wayside, where she volunteered to clean the church for many years and lovingly prepared homemade meals for several priests throughout the years.

Judy had a vibrant personality and cherished time spent with family and friends.  She participated in several bowling leagues, enjoyed playing Bunko, and was a regular bingo player.  Judy was very social, never met a stranger, and had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. Her warmth, lively spirit, and genuine love for others touched everyone she met.  She made the world around her a better place.

Family was at the heart of Judy’s life.  Her only child, Rusty, held a special place in her heart, and she loved him dearly.  She absolutely adored her grandchildren, Logan and Paige.  She encouraged and supported them both in their school and sporting activities, taught them to play Bunko, and enjoyed playing board games like Clue with them.  She took great joy in being their Nana and never missed an opportunity to give them one of her special hugs.  Her grandchildren described their Nana as funny, kind, generous, passionate, nurturing, and selfless.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sisters, Mary Rose “Rosie” Henderson, Carol Jean Collins, and June Marie Scheungrab.

Judy is survived by her husband, Pat; her son, Rusty, and his wife, Beth; her sister: Margaret Ann “Peggy” Quade; and her grandchildren, Logan and Paige.  She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 17, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD, where prayers will be recited at 7:00 pm.  A Catholic Mass will be celebrated by Father Chip Luckett on Wednesday, November 18, at 12:00 pm at Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Chaptico, MD.  Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Queen of Peace Cemetery in Chaptico, MD.  Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Beavan, Donald Hill, Stevie Hill, Benny Johnson, Timmy Quade, and Dave Thomas.

Memorial contributions may be made online to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

https://www.komen.org or in person through the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.