Community Markets Inc. Establishes Judith A. de Leon Emergency Food Memorial Fund to Support Families in Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2026
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV. Community Markets Inc. (“CMI”) is honored to announce the creation of the Judith A. de Leon Emergency Food Memorial Fund, established in December 2025 to provide immediate assistance to individuals and families facing personal crisis.
Judith A. de Leon was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who passed away unexpectedly on August 25th, 2025. Judith left behind a husband of 46 years, two children, and six grandchildren who never had a chance to say goodbye.
During her life, Judith was remarkably attentive to the needs of others. Her family and friends have cherished memories of her bringing groceries and providing financial help to struggling families, comforting the emotionally burdened and grieving, and daily sacrificing herself in order to support her loved ones with all of her strength and love. Judith is remembered for doing all of this and more with good cheer and a warm smile.
In honor of Judith’s legacy of generosity and service, Community Markets Inc. is honored to sponsor a memorial fund to provide disaster relief and emergency assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship. Through the Judith A. de Leon Emergency Food Memorial Fund, CMI will offer local, nourishing food to help alleviate the burden faced by those impacted by loss, accidents, emergencies, financial hardship, or other life-altering events.
“CMI is honored by the de Leon family partnering with us to remember Judith as well as the friend who donated to establish the fund in her honor,” said Mark Peiffer, Operations Manager for Community Markets Inc. “I invite everyone to consider supporting this fund in honor of a loved one that they wish to remember so that when a crisis strikes unexpectedly, families in our community can access fresh food to help them through difficult times.”
Through this fund, Judith’s spirit of compassion lives on—continuing to bring comfort, nourishment, and hope to families when they need it most.
Those who are in need of immediate assistance, or who know someone experiencing a personal crisis, are encouraged to apply for assistance using This Form: https://forms.gle/JUZQn6FqTpoiUhoA9 or Contact Community Markets Inc. to learn more. Individuals or families who wish to honor Judith’s memory are also invited to support the fund through a tax-deductible donation.
Donations can be made by visiting www.communitymarketsinc.org/donate. Community Markets, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
About Community Markets Inc.
Community Markets Inc. (“CMI”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Shepherdstown, WV whose mission is to connect locally grown food to families in need. In three years, Community Markets Inc. has fed 20,500 people in 12 WV counties with 218,600 lbs. of healthy & locally-sourced food and put $598,400 back into farmers‘ and small family business owners’ pockets. CMI also has fed 536 underserved students in partnership with the Jefferson County Schools and is currently partnering with the county’s senior center to provide food vouchers to vulnerable seniors. For more information, visit www.communitymarketsinc.org.