Judith Ann Garthwait

Judith “Judy” Ann Garthwait passed away peacefully on the night of May 28, 2025, at the age of 80.

Judy was born on February 21, 1945, the daughter of the late Chalmer and Jeanne Chadwick. She married the late John Garthwait and made their home in Lake Mills where they raised their 4 children. Judy then made her home in Madison, WI where she lived until the time of her death. Her home in Madison was her sanctuary, and as she called it “Her Cute Little House”.

Judy lived a full and adventurous life. Her passions were taking care of the people she loved (especially with food and hugs), traveling the world, reading and gardening. She found love and peace in her garden, and ate everything that came out of it. She loved discovering new restaurants and trying new foods. She took her family and her nieces and nephew on annual road trips to Disney World in the Coachman (where we all developed a life-long love for Disney), and many other places in the US, creating some of the best childhood memories. She worked as a travel agent for many years and traveled all over the world with her dear friends, of which she had many. Some of her favorite trips were Africa, China, Peru, Machu Picchu and Ireland.

At the heart of everything she did was her deep love for others. She loved and cherished her nieces and nephews like her own. She cared for children in her home daycare and raised them with the same warmth and devotion she gave her own children. Later, she served as a house mom and manager for multiple sororities across the country. She was a steady and compassionate presence to countless young women away from home. Always offering support, guidance, and home-cooked meals. You could always find her in the kitchen once a week, baking and bonding with the sorority girls.

She was the glue that kept her family close. Her family was her life and she always made every holiday and gathering special, (and always brought way too much food). She was known for her unselfish, generous heart and always made people feel like they were the most important person in the world. Her big hugs that came straight from the heart were the absolute best. She poured her heart and soul into everything she did, especially for those she loved most. She was the person you went to when you needed words of wisdom, advice, a shoulder to cry on, or help through a difficult situation. She adored her children - Laurie, Becky and Jeff and her late son Steve - with her whole heart and being. She loved and adored her grandchildren and was lovingly known as “Gramzy” to them. She was very involved in their lives, going to sporting events, sending study snacks, baking countless treats, always supporting and being there for them and remembering the little things that made them feel seen and loved. She also shared a special bond and cherished her friendship with her two sisters, Susan Liebel and Linda Sukow. For 16 years, she organized and looked forward to the annual family bonding trips to Galena with her sisters, daughters and nieces up until this last December, 2024. These special trips and the memories that were built will forever be embedded in our hearts.

Judy’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the gardens she nurtured, the homes she filled with warmth and love she so freely gave to all around her. She taught us strength, how to love unconditionally, and always see the good in people. As she always said to her children and grandchildren, “I love you more than life itself”.

Judy is survived by her children Laurie Null (Scott), Rebecca Erb (David), Jeff Garthwait (Jodi); her grandchildren Kortney, Haylee, Grace and Sam; and her great- grandson Parker; her sisters Susan Liebel, and Linda Sukow; her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Chalmer & Jeanne, her ex-husband John Garthwait, her brother Jimmy, and her beloved son Steve, who she is now with in heaven.

Judy’s wishes were to have a Celebration of Life in her memory. Details and date will be forthcoming.

“God Saw You Getting Tired”

God saw you getting tired, 
And a cure was not to be 
So He put His arms around you 
And He whispered, ‘Come to me’

With tearful eyes we watched you.
As you slowly slipped away
Although we loved you dearly
We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, 
Hard working hands at rest 
God broke our hearts to prove to us 
He only takes the best.