Judith ("Jay") L. DeJong

Jay (Judith) L. DeJong, age 88, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, died October 27, 2022. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she attended Hathaway Brown School and was a graduate of Wellesley College, class of 1956.

She moved to New York City to seek her fortune. She answered an ad in the NYT and began work for a small advertising firm, Hockaday Associates, headed by Margaret Hockaday. After three days on the switchboard, she walked into the President and said she loved the people but could no longer sit at the switchboard. Jay was named Assistant Fashion Director, a fun, varied and hectic job, where she remained for several years before leaving to travel in Europe. Upon her return from Europe, she worked at Conde Nast and American Cyanamid (fashion shows launching Creslan acrylic fiber) before leaving to raise her family.

She was the former wife of the late Charles L. Johnston; mother of Timothy C. Johnston (Claire); grandmother of Hannah and Naomi, all of Rockville, MD; mother of Sarah Johnston, Princeton, NJ.

While raising her children in Princeton, NJ, Jay helped establish the Lewis Clinic for children with learning deficits. She was a board member of S.A.V.E. (Small Animal Veterinary Endowment).

After attending many Chinese cooking courses in New York City, Jay taught small classes in her home.

Jay was the first non-architect to be named an “Associate” at Ford Farewell, Mills and Gatsch, a large architectural firm. She remained there as the Head of Administration for ten years.

Jay moved with her beloved husband, Jack, from Princeton to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, after retiring in 1992. She was a member of the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club and the Junior League. Jay volunteered as a St. Johns Guardian Ad Litem, helping children in the court system. She also did public relations for the Beaches Cultural Council, Inc.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to any chapter of the ASPCA is most appreciated.