Judith Ann Wilgard, 77

Judy Wilgard (nee Thomas) of Fleming Island, Florida passed away suddenly on April 21. Born September 27, 1945, in Port Jervis New York, the daughter of Mike and Muriel Thomas. Judy attended Port Jervis High School where she was a cheerleader, a skill she would share throughout her life. While attending Orange County Community College pursuing her Associates Degree in Nursing, she met her husband Joe Rolewicz. Judy and Joe had two sons, Joseph (Joe) and Michael. Widowed suddenly at age 26, she was re-introduced to a Port Jervis teacher, Al Wilgard whom she married in 1973.

Judy and Al moved to Columbia, Maryland where they raised their family for 30 years. Judy completed her studies in Nursing and was an ER, Recovery Room and Ambulatory Care nurse for over 35 years, working many weekend and evening shifts so she could always be home for her family during the week.

Judy and Al moved to Fleming Island in 2003 and made fast friends in the Margaret’s Walk community they have called home ever since. Judy continued her nursing career part-time at a local surgery center before fully retiring in 2010. Affectionately known in all of their communities as “Big Al” and “The Jude”, they traveled extensively and made many friends throughout their 30+ cruises and destination trips highlighted by a 6-week voyage throughout the South Pacific.

Judy’s greatest treasure was her family, her beloved sons Joe (Debby) and Mike (Natalie), grandchildren Tommy (Kayla), John (Sonia), Katie (Marc Little), Mark, Lindsey and Hayden Rolewicz and Rebekah Frantz. She lived for family times together, after-dinner game nights, visits to, and from, countless friends, and attending and supporting every game or activity she could. Stepmother to Christine (Dean) Frantz and Chip Wilgard. Her devoted husband Al remained her constant companion for nearly 50 years. Judy is also survived by her sisters-in-law Diane (John) Clarke, Sandy (nee Rolewicz) DeDalis and several nieces.

Judy was an active member of the Fleming Island YMCA and a volunteer at River Christian Church where she will be deeply missed by so many dear friends. Judy will be fondly remembered for her boisterous and infectious laugh and her smile which lit up any room she entered.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, brother William (Bill) and husband Joseph Rolewicz.

A Celebration of Judy’s life will be held at River Christian Church on Tuesday, May 2nd at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any gifts be made to River Christian Church or the YMCA of Fleming Island.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720