Judy Ann (Whiteman) Janicki

July 14, 1940 - Aug. 1, 2008

GRANGER - Judy Ann Janicki, 68, passed away at 5 a.m. on August 1st in her home with her loving husband by her side after a courageous two-and-half-year battle against cancer. The youngest of four siblings, Judy was born on July 14, 1940, in South Bend, to David and Elizabeth Whiteman, both of whom preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her youngest beloved son, Jack.

On September 5, 1959, she married the love of her life, Richard S. Janicki, who survives. Richard and Judy shared 48 years and 11 months of love and commitment to each other and their family. It was Camelot the whole trip. Along with her husband, Richard, other survivors left to cherish her memory include her children, Kymerly Lawton (Janicki) and her husband, L.J., Scott Janicki, and his wife, Debra, David Janicki and his wife, Janie, and Jill Toews (Janicki) and her husband, Rick. Also surviving are her 10 beloved and cherished grandchildren, Louis and Robert Lawton, Zachary, Lauren and Joshua Janicki, Victoria Bruce, Bo and Jasmine Janicki, Riley and Grady Toews, respectively. Also surviving are her brother, James Bay of California, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and a host of loving relatives and friends, and her new puppy, Baxter.

Judy had achieved many personal accomplishments. Among them she oversaw the daily operation of the family's horse farm in Wakarusa, IN, for over 15 an 25 purebred, registered Arabians. An accomplished horsewoman herself, Judy won numerous awards throughout the Midwestern United States and helped other riders and enthusiasts perform to their personal best. Judy was also an avid and accomplished golfer whose passion for the game along with her skill enabled her to win the club championship at her country club in Florida. She thoroughly enjoyed both the competition and companionship of her many friends and teammates for the KCC Ladies 18-hole Golf League at the Knollwood Country Club, Granger, IN.

She was a graduate of Riley High School and Indiana University of South Bend, IN, where she made the Dean's List during several semesters.

Her kindness, beautiful smile, forgiving nature, and easy-going personality will never be forgotten by those who love her. Judy was a kind, gentle and compassionate lady who spent her zest for life in the service of those she so passionately loved. An accomplished cook, Judy knew how to feed not only the body but the spirit and soul as well. She was a master seamstress who loved to sew, knit and crochet. She also loved to draw and paint, was an avid reader, and thoroughly enjoyed a good glass of red wine at the end of the day!

How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways/.... Judy Ann was Dick's wife, lover, girlfriend, best friend, golf buddy, mentor, baker, cook, golf, swing instructor, part-time secretary, and the mother of their five beautiful children. She was a true lady. She was his port in a storm, his sunshine every day, his riding instructor, dancing partner, and gentle critic. She was the absolute joy of his life throughout their lives together. And their life together was, as all of their family knew and most friends recognized, a unique, true love story.

Prior to her passing, Judy asked that in, lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Center for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; to The Regional Autism Center at Logan Community Resources of South Bend, 2505 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, in honor of her grandson, Bobby; or to the YWCA Women's Shelter of St. Joseph County, 1102 Fellows St., South Bend, IN 46601.

Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at welshfh@yahoo.com. The family thanks and is especially grateful to Dr. Rafat Ansari, Toni and all of the hospice nurses and aides, especially Paula, Kelly and Amber for their loving and compassionate care of Judy during her courageous battle with cancer. Judy's family invites you to join them in celebration of her life at Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, today, Sunday, Aug. 3rd, from 2 to 6 p.m. A Catholic Mass in memorial of Judy will be celebrated on Monday, August 4, at 9:30 a.m. in the University of Notre Dame Basilica of the Sacred Heart. A procession will leave Welsheimer's Funeral Home at 9 a.m. Judy will be laid to rest at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend next to her son, Jack.

Rest now our beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Our collective hearts ache with loss, and as we pray for your eternal peace, we take comfort in the knowledge of those who have welcomed you back home. May God Bless you and Keep you, our love, until we meet again.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 3, 2008.

07/04/2023 EJS

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