Family and Friends Dedicate Bench to Honor Late Volunteer and Therapy Dog

Friends and family of long-time Valley Hospital volunteer Judi Esola and her beloved therapy dog, Ruby, gathered on Valley’s Paramus campus to dedicate a garden bench in
their memory.

Judi’s husband Joseph, children Anthony and Jodi, son-in-law Jason, grandchildren, and other family members and friends were present for the dedication ceremony.

The bench, made possible through generous gifts from Judi's family and friends, honors Judi's 21 years of service to Valley - with Ruby by her side for 11 of those years - dedicating more than 3,000 hours of her time.

Judi served not only as a pet team member, but also as a tour guide, a patient simulation volunteer, and a VIBE cart volunteer. She also supported Valley events and served as a patient family ambassador when The Valley Hospital moved from Ridgewood to Paramus in 2024.

As members of our community come to the hospital to receive care or visit a loved one, this bench will be a reminder of the compassion and warmth that Judi and Ruby shared and will continue to symbolize all they brought to Valley.