Judith A. McClutchy (nee Martin), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Wauwatosa on November 26, 2024, at the age of 88.

Born on January 23, 1936, in the tight knit Columbus Park Italian community in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Peter and Mary (Bonofiglio) Martin, Judy’s remarkable life was defined by selflessness, generosity, and a steadfast devotion to others. She graced the world with kindness, compassion, and love, leaving an enduring impact on all who knew her.

Judy’s passion for helping others began early, during her volunteer work at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Kenosha, where she discovered her calling to pursue nursing. She moved to Milwaukee to attend St. Mary’s School of Nursing, marking the start of a distinguished career in healthcare. Her love for the profession flourished at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she began her journey in nursing with dedication and compassion.

With the unwavering support of her husband, James, Judy earned both her Bachelor's in Nursing and Master's in Healthcare Administration, while raising their children and supporting James through law school. Her commitment to excellence and patient care shaped her leadership roles, first as Director and later as VP of Nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Judy’s career continued to thrive as she transitioned to Milwaukee County General Hospital, (later John L. Doyne Hospital) where she served as Director of Quality Assurance and Risk Management, a role she loved deeply. Among her many achievements, she would say her most meaningful was developing the Milwaukee County Health Care Plan, which extended critical services to underserved patients, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and equity in the community.

Judy was revered by her colleagues for her visionary leadership, sharp intellect, intense curiosity, and profound empathy. As a mentor, and master encourager, she helped countless healthcare professionals develop excellence while prioritizing the human side of care. Her ability to balance a successful career with her devotion to family was a true reflection of her values, and she hoped to be remembered above all for her kindness and love.

Amid her professional accomplishments, Judy’s greatest joy was time with family and friends, many of whom she has had since childhood. She shared a beautiful 66-year marriage with her devoted husband, James, with whom she built a life filled with international travel, but especially to visit children in New York, Florida, Switzerland, and Arizona (including an especially memorable roller coaster ride), the arts, golf, opera, enduring friendships, and countless treasured memories. Judy’s home was a haven of love and warmth, where celebrations brought family together and her Italian cooking—especially her delicious biscotti—became a symbol of connection and tradition.

Judy’s legacy lives on through her loving husband, James, and their children; Mary Schmidt, Nancy Meister, Timothy and Angie McClutchy, Kathleen and David McClutchy-Gale, Matthew McClutchy and Lacee Perry, and Debra McClutchy. She is further survived by her 17 grandchildren—T.J., Judy Brian, Melissa, Philippe, Margaret, Leo, Lily, Andrea, Jonathan, Chloe, Madelyn, James, Arden, Oliver, Nettie, and Finch—and five great-grandchildren, Noah, Rhett, Rylan, Jameson, and Charlotte; her brother Peter Martin, sister-in-law Carol Callahan, sisters-in-law Carole Martin, Marjorie Stahl and Kathy Eder, the entire Chiappetta family, and everyone’s children and families, to include many nieces and nephews, cousins, childhood friends, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy. 

Judy was preceded in death by her daughter Patricia Hein and her brothers Roger and Donald Martin. Sister and brother-in-laws Charlene Martin, Irene and Lloyd Emond, and Joe Eder. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, strength, and grace that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, 53226. (414) 774- 5010. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, followed by a service at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, stanncenter.org or a charity of your choice, in Judy’s memory.