Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Judy Lynn Zorza passed away peacefully at her home in Hood River, Oregon, on Nov. 9, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She left us quickly after a brief battle with what her doctors believed was sarcomatoid carcinoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer.
Judy was born on April 24, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, to Floyd and Sue Engler. The family moved to Portland, Oregon, during her elementary-school years. After her parents’ divorce, Judy moved to Hood River at age 14 with her mother, Sue, and Dave Jensen.
She attended Hood River Valley High School, where she met the love of her life, Dubber Zorza.They married on Feb. 5, 1977, at Riverside Community Church.
Judy lived a beautiful, joy-filled life. She loved traveling with family and friends, tending her garden, and cheering at sporting events — especially when her grandchildren were playing. Hawaii held a special place in her heart; she never tired of the ocean, sea turtles, and breathtaking sunrises.
Judy and Dubber turned their Alaska cabin into a beloved gathering place where kids, grandkids, family, and friends fished for salmon, devoured her legendary smoked salmon pâté, and made memories that will last forever. Her absolute favorite pastime, though, was simply being with the people she loved — baking her famous “Yaya” cookies and sharing them with everyone lucky enough to cross her path.
During the COVID years, Judy and Dubber poured thousands of hours — and plenty of blood, sweat, tears, and laughter — into tearing down and completely rebuilding their boathouse from the floats up. It became their peaceful escape on the Columbia River.
Judy is survived by her devoted husband, Dubber; her son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Charissa Zorza; her daughter, Monica; and her cherished grandchildren, Maverick, Kendall Sue, Maddex, Kash, and Kassidy. She also leaves behind many loving siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Dee Engler and Dave and Sue Jensen; her sister, Jan Engler; and her daughter, Jenny Zorza.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2-5 p.m. at Indian Creek Golf Course in Hood River. A viewing was held at Anderson’s Tribute Center on Nov. 12.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Judy’s extraordinary doctors, Dr. Merry and Dr. Vogt, and their teams at Providence, as well as the angels of Providence Hospice, whose compassionate care meant the world.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your favorite charity in memory of Judy Zorza.
“She lived to chase horizons, collect memories, and plant love wherever she went — in gardens, on beaches with sea turtles, and deep in the hearts of her family and friends. Forever traveling with us.”
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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