Judy Smith of Milwaukee passed peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, and joyfully joined her very best friend, Justine Leonard, her

beloved sister Joanne Smith Hanschman (Ronald), and her cherished parents Lena and Harry Smith, for a heavenly reunion and holiday

celebration. For those who knew and loved Judy, it is easy to imagine the laughter, smiles and open arms that greeted her arrival.

Born on April 22, 1939, in Hartford, Wisconsin, Judy was athletic from a young age. In high school she participated in a wide range of sports and

excelled as a swimmer and swim instructor. She initially enrolled at UW–La Crosse with plans to major in physical education, but her life soon

took a new and more fulfilling direction when she moved to Milwaukee and began what would become a long, successful and much-admired

career in the graphic arts and printing industries.

Judy's natural warmth and genuine interest in people—paired with her keen eye for art and design—helped her land her first Milwaukee position

at Bercker Studios, where she worked for many years, rising from messenger to sales roles through hard work and an ever-present smile. She

later continued her career at Creative Concepts, ultimately becoming one of the most trusted and respected graphic design—and later printing—

sales consultants in southeastern Wisconsin.

From small boutique agencies to the area's largest advertising and public relations firms, and from major Milwaukee-based corporations such as

Rexnord, Schlitz, Miller Brewing and Allis-Chalmers to countless smaller businesses, Judy was a well-known and trusted project consultant.

Creative directors, designers and marketing teams valued not only her expertise, but also her kindness, empathy and willingness to help—

qualities that made working with her a pleasure and work friendships enduring.

Alongside her best friend Justine Leonard, with whom she shared a Shorewood duplex for decades, Judy lived a life rich in curiosity, fun and

adventure. Together they were devoted patrons of the arts, attending countless local performances and traveling often to New York City to revel

in the lights of Broadway. They also shared a love of international travel, visiting many countries and—true to both of their outgoing natures—

making new friends nearly everywhere they went.

In addition to her travel and cultural passions, Judy never lost her love of sports. She was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and the

Milwaukee Brewers. Once she stopped driving, friends knew exactly where to find her on game days—glued to the television, cheering

enthusiastically. Proud of her Italian heritage, Judy was also a passionate cook and an enthusiastic viewer of PBS cooking shows and The Food

Network. Friends delighted in teasing her about her famously strong dislike of mayonnaise, a running joke that culminated in several jars being

gifted to her at a surprise 50th birthday party—a prank she accepted with laughter and good humor.

In retirement, Judy continued to give of herself. She volunteered with the Interfaith Conference/Eastside Senior Services, assisting in the office

and driving seniors to medical appointments—acts of service that reflected her deeply kind, helpful and empathetic heart. She was also an active

member of the Shorewood Senior Center, where her smile and friendliness made everyone feel welcome.

In addition to countless friends near and far and many 'co-conspirators' in hijinks and merrymaking she leaves behind—far too many to name (but

you all know who you are)—Judy is survived by her niece Debbie McComb (Jerry), nephew Tom Hanschman (Kim), and her three great-nieces,

Keira, Stephanie, Kylie (Kyle) and great-great-nephew Henry. She continued to make wonderful new friends when she moved to a retirement

apartment at Milwaukee Catholic Home Residence in 2023.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Milwaukee Catholic

Home Residence, 2464 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211. Interment will be private.

Judy will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, her generosity, her kindness, her empathy and—above all—for the way she made people feel

truly seen, valued and loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at michaeljfox.org.