Obituary: Judith L. Russell 'Judy'

Judith L. Russell “Judy,” of Waukesha, died peacefully with her family and friends by her side on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Froedtert Memorial Hospital at the age of 58 years. She was born on March 8, 1954, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Earl and Gladys Coates. Judy married the love of her life, James Russell on Oct. 15, 1983.

Judy was a lung transplant recipient on Aug. 16, 1999, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital and Clinics. She and her family were very thankful for the extra years they were able to spend together; Judy always had a smile and remained positive throughout those 13 years. She became an advocate for organ and tissue donation.

 Judy was a member of Threads of Compassion/WI Donor Network, an active member of the Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ in Waukesha, volunteered with H.A.W.S and enjoyed getting together with her classmates of Wauwatosa East High School every month.

Judy will be sadly missed by her husband, Jim, of  28 years; her children, Jason Unruh, Joel (Erin) Unruh, Damian Russell; step-sons Scott Russell, Paul (Andy) Russell; grandchildren, Jennifer Russell, Andy Russell, Emily Russell, Kaylee Drabek; step-grandchildren, Cassandra and Dylan Drabek, Bill and Megean Grode, Kayla Goacher; great-grandchild, Jayden Drabek; sister, Jackie Kuehn. She is further survived by other family and many friends. Judy is preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Phillip Kuehn.

A visitation for Judy will be held from 1 p.m. until the 3 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ, 413 Wisconsin Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186. The Rev. James Gorman will be officiating.  Private inurnment will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery.

Memorials in Judith’s name to the E & R United Church of Christ (see address above), H.A.W.S. of Waukesha Co. Inc., 701 Northview Rd. Waukesha, WI 53188 or the WI Donor Network, 9000 W. Chester St. #250, Milwaukee, WI 53214, appreciated.

is serving the family.  For online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit http://www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com, or call 262-542-6609.