Judith K. Cornfeld's Obituary
Judith Kovadlo Cornfeld - December 21, 1935 - May 18, 2023
Judith (Judy) Kovadlo Cornfeld of Hollywood, Florida died on May 18, 2023. Judy was a nationally recognized collector of American crafts, and a founding supporter of the American Crafts Museum in New York City (now the Museum of Arts and Design). Her talent for identifying emerging artists in the crafts field was relied upon by many, and she generously shared pieces from her collection for museum exhibitions across the nation. She grew up in Ferndale, New York and shortly after meeting the love of her life, Robert Cornfeld, on a beach in Miami, they decided to make South Florida their home, over 60 years ago.
Despite her vast talents, her family was the single most important priority, passion, and joy for her. Her marriage is described by her children and those who knew her as a “storybook love story.” Each thought they were the luckiest person in the world to have such an extraordinary spouse, and best friend. The values and legacy she leaves her family are many. Perhaps most important, the seminal importance of family – of being there for each other and enjoying life together. The other is the beauty in life – and the importance of seeing it, feeling it, and creating it around you to enhance and celebrate every day.
Despite fighting Parkinson’s disease, Judy celebrated and appreciated every day of her life with her humor-filled, selfless husband and best friend Bob, her family, and the world they created around themselves on Fairway Drive.
In early years, Judy was a dental hygienist and later immersed in the arts, as a painter, ceramicist, and collector. She and her husband later became active philanthropists in medicine and the arts.
She is survived by her adoring husband Dr. Robert Cornfeld, her three children Susanne Cornfeld Hurowitz, Jeffrey Cornfeld and Leslie Cornfeld, her children-in-law Steven Hurowitz, Julie Cornfeld and Jack Bigio, seven ever-uplifting grandchildren Melissa Urfirer Gottesman, Matthew Urfirer, Eddie Hurowitz, Elizabeth Cornfeld, Andrew Hurowitz, Alex Cornfeld and Henry Hurowitz, her grandson-in-law Ben Gottesman, granddaughter in-law-to-be Leah Nunziato, one great grandson Charlie Gottesman, and beloved niece and nephews.
In lieu of flowers or food, contributions in memory of Judith Cornfeld can be made to:
Memorial Foundation Emergency Department Fund, of Memorial Hospital
mhsfoundation.org/give
OR
“The Judy Fund” to directly support low-income/first-generation students with unexpected financial challenges in their college journey. Contributions can be made through the non-profit EdEquityLab.org for a new program in Judy’s memory.
What’s your fondest memory of Judith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judith?
Share a story where Judith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judith you’ll never forget.
How did Judith make you smile?
