Fundraising campaign aims to create space for reflection after a tragic loss

MAMARONECK, NY — Judy Musumeci lost her life in an overnight fire in her New Rochelle apartment on March 31, 2022, but her friends are raising money to create a place that commemorates not her death, but the joyful moments that defined her life.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to raise money to purchase and install a memorial bench dedicated to Musumeci. The memorial bench will be permanently installed on the church grounds of St. John's Lutheran Church on Fenimore Road in Mamaroneck, where Musumeci was a parishioner.

See also:

The plan is to place the bench in a scenic spot on the east side of the church grounds overlooking Harbor Island Park and the west basin of Mamaroneck Harbor. Organizers say it's where Musumeci enjoyed spending time with her friends.

“Judy was a beloved community member and was actively involved in many church activities. This memorial bench will be a meaningful way to honor her life and legacy,” wrote organizer Dennis Pennino. “It will provide a place where friends, family and churchgoers can sit, reflect and feel a connection to Judy in the peaceful setting of the church grounds.”

A heavy cast bronze plaque with Musumeci's name will be placed on the back of the bench. Evergreen azaleas with purple flowers will be planted on the left and right sides of the bench.

Organizers said 100 percent of the funds raised beyond the cost of the memorial bench, plaque and shrubs will be donated to St. John's Lutheran Church in Musumeci's name for the sole purpose of covering some of the church's general expenses.