Judith M. “Judy” Nikischer, 87, formerly of Delray Beach, Fla., Allentown, and Fogelsville, died peacefully Jan. 17, 2025, in the Masonic Village, Elizabethtown.

Born Oct. 14, 1937, in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late George W. and Evelyn (McNabb) Savitz.

A 1955 graduate of Allentown High School, she graduated from Cedar Crest College in 1959 with a degree in sociology.

She remained very active in the affairs of Cedar Crest as an Alumnae Association executive board member from 1991-97, Alumnae Annual Fund chairwoman for three years, and reunion chairwoman.

She was a generous financial supporter of Cedar Crest College over the years and, as a trustee, she successfully challenged her fellow trustees and alumnae in 1996 to do the same.

In 2001, she was nominated by the then president of Cedar Crest College, Dorothy Blaney, for the “Outstanding Philanthropist Award.”

She established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust to further support the college after her death.

An outstanding member of the community, she was very involved with Girls Scouts as a troop leader and serving on Council Committees; a volunteer in the public schools, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, and with Meals on Wheels; board member of Friends of the Parkland Library, and a member of Allentown Art Museum and the Lehigh County Historical Society.

She also was very involved with the United Church of Christ as a member and in a leadership capacity as consistory president, elder, and ordained deacon.

She and her husband were members of Jordan United Church of Christ, South Whitehall.

She and John “Jack” Mohr of Fogelsville were married in 1960.

He died in 1984 after 24 years of blissful and happy marriage.

They had three daughters.

In 1986, she and Frank Nikischer Sr., of Allentown, were married.

They were a devoted husband and wife, with close family ties, for 39 years.

They proudly owned and operated Walp’s Restaurant, a popular Pa. Dutch family restaurant in Allentown, from 1986 until they retired, and it was sold in 1999.

She and Frank enjoyed extensive world travel, in particular visiting relatives still living in Austria and also visits to other European and Scandinavian countries, often by riverboat cruises, Caribbean and Central American countries, South America, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Newfoundland, and most of the United States.

She also had previously toured China.

She was predeceased by her parents and first husband, and her adopted daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Judith Nikischer.

Her survivors include her husband Frank, Sr.; sister Sue Bright (Bob) of Reading; brother Tom Savitz (Renee) of North Carolina; daughters Connie Mohr of Idaho, Chris Grenier (Brian) of North Carolina, and Cathy Starkey (Doug) of Colorado; sister-in-law Dolores Stoner (Herb) of Delaware; stepsons Frank Nikischer Jr. of Florida; and David Nikischer of Macungie; stepdaughter Wendy Nikischer Knowles (Brian) of Pennsylvania; three grandsons; two granddaughters; five step-grandchildren; 12 step-great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was lovingly called “Nana” by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, Allentown, 11 a.m. Jan. 23 with the Rev. Dr. David C. Smith officiating. Family and friends will be received at the church from 10-11 a.m.

Condolences may be offered at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jordan UCC or to Cedar Crest College, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, PA 18051.

Arrangements made by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., Fogelsville.