Judith Joan Richards, 78, of Fontana, passed away peacefully on Oct. 26, 2019, at Geneva Lake Manor.
Born Aug. 10, 1941, in Chicago, Judy was the daughter of the late Violet Joan Krechiwsky.
She is survived by her four daughters, Susan and Erik Israel, Sherri and Robert Walker, Jennifer Andrews and Jaime Bartels; 12 grandchildren, Sandi, Shannon, Sherry, Erika, Patrick, Brenna, Gordon, Sabrina, Topanga, Roger, Brandie (and Jason), Autumn; and seven great-grandchildren, Brenden, Austin, Alexandra, Aubry, Lily, Gloria and Elaina.
Judy was a longtime resident of Fontana and enjoyed living by the lake. She loved cooking and sharing recipes, although she carefully guarded the family ones. She also loved crocheting, gardening and animals of all shapes and sizes, including caring for the neighborhood cats. Mostly Judy was devoted to being the mother lion taking care of all her cubs, family and beyond. Anyone who knew Judy knows her as a tough lady with a kind heart.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 137 Dewey Ave., Fontana.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Nov. 14, from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at the church, followed by the mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakeland Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1000, Elkhorn, WI 53121 or online by visiting lakelandanimalshelter.org/donate/memorials/.
Toynton Funeral Home is assisting the family.
