[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E350-E351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE JUDITH ANN ALGEO
______
HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 28, 2025
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a
remarkable constituent from my district, Judith Ann Algeo, J.D., M.A.,
who passed away on January 1, 2025. Judith was not only a distinguished
professional but also a civil servant, trailblazer and beloved member
of our community who lived a life full of compassion, service, and
helping those in need.
Born April 19, 1953, to Rita and Hugh Algeo, Judith attended Good
Shepherd Parish School and West Catholic High School for Girls. She
went on to earn her B.A. in Criminal Justice and Sociology, as well as
her M.A. in Pastoral Ministry from La Salle College (now University).
She worked at Bell Telephone to pay for her schooling, which is a true
testament to her determination and work ethic she had starting from a
young age. Judith later earned her J.D. from Temple University Beasley
School of Law.
Throughout her lifetime, Judith worked across a wide range of
careers. She began her professional journey as a childcare worker,
which introduced her to the challenges faced by vulnerable families.
This sparked a lifelong interest in advocacy which led her to then work
as a child and family therapist, massage therapist and a public
official before finding
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her true calling as a family law litigator. While these roles may seem
like large leaps, they all share one core theme--Judith's deep
commitment to serving others. Each Career reflected her passion for
advocacy, care and justice for those in need.
As a Family Law Litigator, Judith frequently took on Pro Bono cases.
To Judith, they were not just a case but instead someone who could
continue to come back to ask for help or to share their life stories.
She advocated for women who were in protection from abuse and worked
many judicial bypass cases. Judith served on the board of the National
Network of Runaway & Homeless Youth Services and chaired the
Interagency Youth Coalition of Bucks County, She was a founding member
of Bucks County AIDS Network and a board member of Legal Aid of
Southeastern PA. She spent time serving the Bucks County Bar
Association as President and as a chair for many of the committees. She
even contributed to the startup of the Bucks County Bar Foundation. She
also led the parent lawyers' group which ran out of the Juvenile
Dependency Court. Through this group she served hundreds of children as
a guardian ad litem to offer support for those who could not advocate
for themselves.
In addition to her professional work, Judith was also a pioneer in
our community. She became one of the first two female volunteer
firefighters in Warwick Township. This showcases her steadfast
dedication to service and her unwavering courage. Additionally, Judith
spent five years as a Public Official acting on the Zoning Hearing
Board. In 1999 she was elected to the Board of Supervisors of Warwick
Township and in 2004 she served as its chairperson for over 20 years.
She also served as a Board Member at Hatboro Federal Savings.
Having had a life full of achievements, it is no surprise that Judith
had received a number of recognitions throughout her career. She was
chosen as the Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award
winner twice and was honored with the Arthur B. Walsh Jr. Award for Pro
Bono Services.
Despite her busy schedule, Judith always made time for her family.
She cherished the moments she spent with her husband Frank, daughter
Shannon and her three grandchildren. Even on the busiest days, she
always cooked breakfast for Shannon and her friends every day before
school. She was an avid reader and a talented at word games such as
scrabble and crossword puzzles. She enjoyed playing volleyball and
climbing mountains.
Although our community mourns Judith's passing, we celebrate the
legacy of service and dedication that she forged in her life. She will
be greatly missed by us all.
____________________