(Nee Kittleson) Born to life December 1, 1943, in Minneapolis, MN. Born to eternal life February 15, 2018. Beloved wife of Jim. Proud mother of Shannon (Steve McGraw), Sean (Melissa), Gavin (Natasha Kohl), and Brendan (Elizabeth). Loving Gram to Kayla, Kean, Nevan, Lorraine, Declan, Marion and Leon. Sister of Sandra Ramlet, Leneen Kittleson, and Bill Kittleson.
Judi was a 1961 graduate of Minneapolis North High School and 1965 graduate of the College of Saint Benedict. From 1982 to 2009, she taught first grade at Saint Sebastian’s School and continued to volunteer there after her retirement. She cared deeply for her students and ensured that each one felt loved. She was also passionate about working for social justice, including through her long-term relationship with the people of Teosinte, El Salvador, where she travelled twice to do humanitarian work. She gave her time and resources generously to numerous charities and causes.
Judi was incredibly kind, quick to smile, and had a warm and infectious laugh. She was generous and loving with family and friends and was fortunate to be surrounded by them as she dealt with her illness. She was also a woman of great strength and determination, evidenced in her fight with ovarian cancer and in her commitment to her career and family.
She was an unabashed romantic, who loved to dance. She found great peace and pride in her garden. She loved holidays, particularly Christmas, and her “A Visit from St. Nicholas” reading and “Happy Birthday Jesus” cheesecake were the hits of the annual Christmas Eve party. Judi’s life will be celebrated at Saint Sebastian’s Church, 55th St. and Washington Blvd., on Saturday, February 24 at 10 AM with a reception to follow. Visitation will be at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home from 5 PM to 7 PM on Friday, February 23. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Marquette University High School Scholarship Endowment, 3401 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53208, and Cheyenne River Youth Project, 702 4th St. Eagle Butte, SD 57625, are appreciated.
