Judith Lyle Eggleston Rossi

Judith Lyle Eggleston Rossi, 81, left this Earth but not our hearts on Wednesday, March 15, at Norfolk Sentara Heart Hospital. She was deeply loved and cherished and will live on through those whose lives she touched. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Judith was the daughter of Randolph Lee Eggleston and Addie Belle Browne Eggleston. She grew up in Portsmouth and graduated from Wilson High School. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City to attend college and model. While in New York, she met her future husband, Nick Rossi. They were married in 1969, and made their home in Astoria, Queens. Judith established a highly successful career as the Benefits Manager for the Garment Workers’ Union. Following the death of her beloved husband, Judith moved home to Norfolk. Judith was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, friend, and family matriarch who was greatly loved, treasured, and admired by her family and friends. She will be remembered for her beauty, both inside and out, her elegance, kindness, strength, generosity, and her loving heart. Her generous spirit was unmistakable in the way she gave time and energy to all who loved her, and her generosity extended to many charitable organizations, prioritizing children’s foundations. She was an avid reader and world traveler, and a passionate lifelong student, always wanting to see and learn more of the world, with a particular fondness of Italy. An accomplished chef and entertainer, Judith loved good food and good wine, especially bubbles, and was a captivating conversationalist. Her zest for life was contagious and palpable to whomever she met. Judith was predeceased by her beloved parents, husband, and sister, Mary Spotswood Eggleston Peele. Judith is survived by her God nieces, Jacqueline Rae Wells Wernimont (Jerome Lee) and Suzanne Louise Wells (Louis Steven Latham), her grand Godchildren, Jennifer Lynne Wernimont Wrenn (Patrick Louis), Ashlee Rae Wernimont, Adalyn Kelly Latham, Benjamin Steven Latham, a great grand Goddaughter, Madeleine Louise Wrenn, lifelong friend, Phyllis Sykes, a stepson, Richard Rossi (Pat), and step-grandson, Steven Rossi, and a beautiful group of friends. As an independent woman who knew her mind, Judith was a strong, loving, wise, and vibrant force of nature. Her presence filled every room she entered demonstrating her zeal for life and her love of humanity. The void she leaves behind will never be filled. A social gathering will be held in the coming months to honor our beloved “Judy”, to share prayers, pictures, and stories, to laugh and to cry. To honor Judith’s memory, the family requests that donations be made directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) or the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (https://www.chkd.org).

Judith Lyle Eggleston Rossi

March 15, 2023