"Charlie and family--we are so sorry to learn about Judi. We will miss her smile which we always looked forward to when she was here at Sand Cay. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, John and Shirley Manning"
In loving memory of
Judith Ann "Judi" Quirt
March 7, 1951 - August 23, 2011
Madison - Judith Ann Gerczak "Judi" Quirt passed away August 23, 2011 after a courageous 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She is and will be missed by her family, extended families, and her many, many friends. Sons Matt and Ben and husband Charley will miss their best friend, their best ally, and the loving spirit that did so much to make them a family and to feel loved.
Judi had a great heart which she shared with so many. She impacted lives by how she helped, how she loved, and how she lived and leaves the hole the size of the Grand Canyon in many hearts.
Judi is survived by her husband Charley, her sons Matt and Ben, her mother Lambertha "Betty" Gerczak (Van Woezik), and her siblings Jim (& Carol) Gerczak, John (& Dawn) Gerczak, Jeff (& Julie) Gerczak, Jeri (& John/Jack) Kelly, Joan (& Gary) Theyel, Joe Gerczak, Jill (& Tim) Clark, and Jay (& Ann Marie) Gerczak; and her numerous and wonderful nieces and nephews, and their children. In addition, her mother in-law Emmy Quirt, and additional in-laws (Jim &) Peg Dosen, Tom (& Carol) Quirt, Dan (& Patti) Quirt, and the numerous and wonderful nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Larry Gerczak and father in-law Charles Quirt.
Judith Ann Gerczak was the second in Larry & Betty Gerczak's family of 9, raised in Green Bay. Those who knew her best knew she bled the Packer Green and Gold! She received her BS at Eau Claire in Public Health, only 3 with that newest of majors. She returned to Green Bay to work for a short period time until her marriage to Charley in 1973 when she moved to Columbus, WI; she worked for the local hospital. They then moved to Madison; where she was a public health inspector. She earned her MBA and began her consulting career. Later she headed up the Meriter Hospital Public Health division. She then led the education efforts of the South Central Wisconsin Area Health Education Center. Education was always her passion, helping young people do more with their lives and finding the careers that would make their life fulfilling.
Charley was fortunate to meet Judi while at UW Eau Claire in September, 1971; they were married in November, 1973; moved to Columbus, WI; then made their home in Madison for 36 years. They enjoyed a marriage of 37+ years, and the times they spent with their cherished sons.
Judi enjoyed creating family traditions, making special events very special, and making everyone feel special. As a family, they enjoyed travel, boating trips across Lake Michigan, and lately pontoon boating at their cottage, all with great friends.
It humbled Judi to receive the amount of support her friends and family gave, whether it was a card, meal, visit, e-mail, or phone call. The family cannot begin to thank all who made her life better by your caring. It will never be forgotten.
The family wishes to thank everyone from GHC (esp Dr. Stein), from UW Oncology (esp Dr. Mulkerin & Hollis), and the Hospice Center; who are all a blessing we in Madison don't fully realize. And yes, the Gilda house that hosted Judi's 60th party. Charlie, Matt and Ben want to thank all who attended, and attended in spirit, her "So Glad To Be 60" birthday party, celebrated not on her birthday but on the anniversary of her 1 year battle with cancer; and St Thomas (Father Don, Erik, Holly, & all).
Judi now enjoys the feeling of good health again, freedom of travel, the wings of an angel, and the happiness she has so richly earned.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. with Msgr. Donn Heiar presiding. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, on Saturday, August 27, 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at church on Sunday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of mass. After the service you will be welcome to gather at St Thomas Parish's social hall.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Pancreatic Action Network www.pancan.org (Donate Now, designate Judi Quirt); Hospice Center Fitchburg http://www.hospicecareinc.com/; UW Oncology Research http://www.uwhealth.org/our-carbone-cancer-center/27366; or Gilda's Club Madison www.gildasclubmadison.org.
Her path during this fight can be found at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judiquirt/journal.
Tributes
"Charley, you and Judi were always bright smiles on those Thursdays at the UW. Seeing you guys was always something my parents looked forward to. It certainly made what was a frustrating bi-weekly necessity into a little better place to be. Our hearts go out to you and the boys. Judi will be sorely missed. "
"We will always think of Judi as a smiling, kind-hearted, positive person. We know that your journey has been a difficult one in the last 15 months. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful sons. Daniel says that Ben was the first person he was introduced to in 3rd grade upon transferring to Glen Stephens. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you."
"Charley, Matt, and Ben. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories of time together help you at this difficult time. Judi was an amazing person."
"Dear Charley, Matt and Ben; We are so sorry for your huge loss (and ours as well). We never met a more positive, courageous and loving person than Judi. One of the lasting impressions we will always have is how positive and strong she remained even in her darkest days. We know that this was due to the three of you. She fought long and hard to stay with her loving family. She will be missed by everyone who's heart she touched. She certainly touched ours! Barb will always remember the first time she met Judi when she came into Barb's open house thirty years ago, and the last time she saw Judi when she came into yours. Rest in peace Judi, we love you Barb & Les Brower"
"We have known the Quirt family for only a short period of time. Even though, we have been treated as if we have been friends for a lifetime. Charley and Judi always made our day a little better just in seeing them in passing. We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Judi. Her loss will be a void in many people lives. Her life will go on in our thoughts and prayers."
"Charley and family...so sorry to hear of your loss. But I know what kind of person you are, and that you'll make the most out a tough situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys. "
"Charley, Ben and Matt, I'm am so deeply sadden to hear about Judi. I remember Judi as a wonderful person who always had a smile to share with you. I can't imagine what you are all going through at this very sad time but it appears you have many wonderful memories and traditions that Judi brought into your lives. The greatest gift to her will be carrying on the traditions and never forgetting the memories. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of you. "
"I didn't know Judi but I went to school with Matt... when I heard he lost his mother to pancreatic cancer it hit close to home as I lost my father 04/17/10 after a 14 month battle with same horrible disease. I am SO deeply sorry for your lost, cherish the memories as they will help you get through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Brianna"
"I am classmate of Geri and also know Joan from high school. I just wanted to send my condolences to the entire family at Judi's passing. Please know your entire family and Judi will be in my prayers. She will always watch over you. With much sympathy."
"Judi was a great friend for so many years. She was always Judi (with the "i") and I was Judy (with the "y"). We shared personal and professional growth, laughs (lots of laughs), tears, silence and cheers (especially for the Packers). No matter how much time had passed since we had talked or saw each other, we were able to pick up right where we had left off. I will miss my friend."
"Judi had an infectious smile!! She had a "happy face!" I know she will continue to smile on all of you from Heaven. We are so sorry for your loss. Your are in our thoughts and prayers."
"We grew up together and Judi was like a cousin to me. So many memories of fun family get-togethers especially before Packer games at the Gerczak house. As our paths crossed as adults, Judi spoke of her sons and Charley with so much love and pride -- it radiated from her. I am praying that her spirit will live on in each of them. Memories of Judi will be a blessing for all that knew her."
"So sorry for your loss. Your mother/wife was such a beam of sunshine. She will surely be missed."
"So many great memories of Judi - and they all involve smiles, hugs and fun. She touched my life and taught me so much with her peaceful countenance, kind words and wisdom. She will be truly missed by many."