Judith Kristina (Ditchkus) Omerza
OBITUARY
Judith Kristina (Ditchkus) Omerza, 61, of Wilkes-Barre, died peacefully at home Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
The wife of Richard Omerza, she was preceded in death by her parents Albert Raymond and Dorothy Teresa Ditchkus, of Scranton.
She is survived by sisters: Karen Brown (Kurt), Lititz, PA, and Susanne Gudaitis (Chuck) Scranton; nieces Elyse Thomas (Ryan) of Lititz, and Lauren Brown (Oren) of Brownstown, PA, as well as great-nieces Daphne Thomas of Lititz, Elizabeth Ormianer of Brownstown, and great-nephew Clark Thomas of Lititz.
She is also survived by an aunt, Barbara Miley and cousin Stephen Miley, Vineland, NJ, and aunt, Kathy Ditchkus of Round Hill, VA, and a great-aunt, Ann Bartsch of Wilkes-Barre along with several other cousins and nephews. She was preceded in death by cousins Fran and Christine Miley of Vineland.
Born in Scranton, she was a 1982 graduate of Scranton Central High School and a 1986 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She also earned a master’s degree in social work from Marywood University.
She was employed as a case worker at Geisinger Hospital, Wilkes-Barre and as a therapist at Mountain Top Counseling. Prior employment was with Geisinger Danville in the cardiac department, and with Children and Youth of Luzerne County.
During the past several years she was an active participant in the International Chili Society and the CASI organization where she competed in and judged chili cook-offs throughout much of the eastern and midwest states. She won various awards for her red, green and white chilis and salsa. She also participated in the Chili Cook-Off World Championship in Texas where she won awards in various categories.
She also loved to travel throughout Europe and the United States, especially staying at New England historic bed & breakfast inns.
An avid pet lover, she is survived by her four beloved cats.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 am at Mary, Mother of God Church, 316 William St., in North Scranton. Inurnment will take place at Cathedral Cemetery, West Scranton at a future date.
Judith Kristina (Ditchkus) Omerza
January 6, 2026