Judy L. (Sparks) VanCise

Judy Lee Sparks VanCise, 79, of Titusville, Pennsylvania, passed away June 17, 2025 at Hospice House in Meadville surrounded by the love of her family after facing her final year with the same grace, strength, and quiet determination that defined her life.

She was born on March 4, 1946, in Titusville. Judy was the daughter of Dorothy Hanes and Robert F. Sparks. She graduated from Titusville High School, Class of 1965.

Judy’s heart was devoted to her family. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother to her three children: Melissa Shaffer of Sumter, South Carolina; Ray Shaffer of Titusville; and Dotty Shaffer of Niagara Falls, Ontario. She married Terry VanCise on January 23, 1999 at St Paul’s United Church of Christ.

Judy was a creative force — endlessly resourceful and talented. She could crochet, sew, or design anything from scratch, often without a pattern using just her own vision. Her love of history ran deep, especially her own family’s. She spent countless hours preserving family stories, photos, and heirlooms so that they wouldn’t be forgotten.

She had a way of making everything special. Holidays and family events were never just dates on a calendar — they were experiences she crafted with care. She made and gifted personal touches for every occasion and built traditions that her family will carry forward. Her baking — especially at Christmas — was legendary. She was well known for her sugar cookie recipe and trays of homemade confections that could rival any bakery.

Judy had a unique eye for beauty in everyday things — from her purple-themed kitchen (and home!) to her love of gardening, especially her beautiful roses, peonies, and spring bulbs. She was sharp, witty, and grounded by a self-described stubbornness that served her well. Even in hardship, she rarely complained, choosing instead to stay positive.

She previously worked at Walmart in Titusville, and the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, where she went from volunteer to Station Manager. She valued the friendships she formed there.

She was a lifelong member of the former St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, where she once taught Sunday school.

Her beloved cat Sadie Mae was her quiet companion through many seasons of life.

Judy is survived by her husband, Terry VanCise of Titusville; her children Melissa, Ray, and Dotty; her stepchildren Shannon McGowen (Greg) of Colombia, SC; Brandon (Becky) VanCise of Rock Hill, NC, Amy Smith (Tommy) of Titusville and Josh VanCise (Bri) of Oil City; her 10 step-grandchildren and a special cousin Joyce Leamer (Eugene) of Lordstown, Ohio.

She is reunited with her extended family, parents, sisters Susan Sparks (Henderson) and Nancy Sparks, a special aunt Betty Muir and her beloved grandson Michael Robert Meza Shaffer whom she can finally hold in her arms.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to family friend Monica Rossener, nurse Patti Fasenmeyer, Dr. Shannon Penland, nurse Janie, and all of the incredible UPMC Northwest oncology nurses and staff who cared for Judy with kindness and compassion. Our deepest gratitude to the incredible team at Crawford County Hospice and Hospice House who went above and beyond to provide her and her family comfort during her final days.

No calling hours or services will be observed. She will be cremated, and her ashes will be interred at Rootville Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s memory may be made to: Hospice of Crawford County 766 Liberty Street Meadville, PA 16335 or any charity of your choice.

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