Judy May Scognamillo

Judy May Scognamillo passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, at her home in Rancho Mirage at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer. Judy was the youngest of five children born June 16, 1944, to Howard and Elsie (Carlson) Guntzburger of Gilby, North Dakota. She is preceded in death by her parents, and two siblings, Gerry Gowan and Linda Haugen (Rex). Judy is survived by her husband, Peter Scognamillo, and their three children; daughter Jolene Meskin (Marc), daughter Audra Heimlich, and son, Peter Scognamillo, Jr., grandchildren; Tristan Heimlich and Matthew Meskin, step grandchildren; Jacob Meskin (Tori), and Michael Meskin (Julie), brother Marshall Guntzburger (Carol), sister Jane Porter (Ed) and numerous nieces and nephews. Judy grew up in Gilby, North Dakota and in 1963 moved to Manhattan Beach, CA to be close to her sister Jane. Shortly thereafter, Judy started work as a Cosmetologist. Her brave decision to move from farm to beach was of great fate for Judy as she met Peter Scognamillo, the love of her life. They married in 1964 and shared 59 years of marriage together. Peter and Judy welcomed the addition of their two daughters in Southern California in 1965 and 1969. The family moved to Colorado in 1971, and in 1974 their son was born. In 1986, the family moved back to California and resided in Del Mar for 25 years. Judy and Pete have lived permanently in Rancho Mirage for the last 8 years. Judy was a beautiful lady whose smile, sense of humor and warmth would light up a room. In her lifetime, Judy worked in farming, cosmetology, healthcare, real estate, bookkeeping and homemaking. She helped her husband Peter build several successful businesses. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, reading, playing cards with family, and playing slots at the casino. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren will always remember her as a loving, generous matriarch who supported her family endlessly. Judy was a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild and won several of their monthly writing challenges which gave her the confidence she needed to compose and publish her first and only novel Hope Mother. Judy wrote this book as an olive branch to help anyone who has ever lost someone special, whether it be a loved one, or a pet. Judy loved animals of all kinds. She recently rescued a dog named Diego which became her constant companion and provided immense comfort to her in the months preceding her death. Funeral services will be held on October 27, 2023, at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 43775 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert, Ca.. In lieu of sending flowers to the funeral service, memorial contributions in Judy's name may be made to the Denver Dumb Friends League Animal Shelter at Donation Center - Dumb Friends League (ddfl.org) . Mass will be live-streamed, access is through link below. https://www.youtube.com/@MassatSacredHeartPalmDesert/streams A Celebration of Life Ceremony is planned immediately following the church service at 12:30 pm at Bellatrix Restaurant. Please call, text, or email Audra at 760-470-1445 or audscog@gmail.com for more details.

Tributes

Judy May Scognamillo

June 16, 1944 - September 15, 2023