We sadly announce the passing of Mary Laurenzi Hudson Judge on February 13, 2024, at the age of 96, after suffering a stroke.  This refined and demure lady was blessed with 8 gregarious children, Mary Ann Thornton (John) of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Elaine Watson (Scott) of Chardon, Ohio, Diane McKillen (Patrick) of Barrington, Illinois, Joseph Judge (Rebel) of Madison, Alabama, Grace Williams (Thomas) of Boca Raton, Florida, Barbara Hammond of Elgin, South Carolina, Betty Davis (Gregory) of Austin, Texas, and Michael Judge (Courtney) of Marietta, Georgia, along with 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Mary grew up with her two sisters in Elvis Presley’s hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, with a major in English.  She and Joseph lived for a couple of years in Brooklyn, New York, before establishing their household in Charleston, South Carolina, and then later in Boca Raton, Florida.  After her husband passed on, Mary lived for ten years in Wauconda, Illinois, where she was an active parishioner at Transfiguration Catholic Church.  She spent her last couple of years in Chardon, Ohio, and was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  At the time of her death, Mary was a resident of Maplewood Assisted Living Facility, where she was a bingo champion and where she cherished her friendships with the residents and staff.

Throughout her life, Mary was an avid reader, with particular interests in history and religion.   She was a beautiful writer and enjoyed word games, especially crossword puzzles and the Wordle, which she enjoyed solving every day.  She was content with never having sent an email or a text.  A true Southern lady, Mary was admired for her quiet grace and unwavering faith.  Her children adored her and have fond memories of their family lives.  Her chocolate pie, spaghetti sauce (which she called “gravy”), and biscuit recipes are still in demand two generations later.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church in Boca Raton, Florida, and Mary will be buried in the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida, next to her husband, who served with the U.S. Army in World War II.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon, Ohio. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com