Judith Lynn Cmelak

Judith Lynn Cmelak (nee Gifford), age 69, passed away peacefully March 16, 2016 with her loving family at her side. Married 50 years to the love of her life, Jim Sr. Loving mother of Jim Jr. (Sarah), Cindy (Eugene) Halama Jr., Carrie (Mark) Kyle, and Connie Cmelak. Proud Grandmother to Amber, Brigit, Joe, Anna, Jimmy and Ayla. Judy was born in Milwaukee, WI to the late Benjamin Jr. and Elvina (Wenzelow) Gifford. She grew up with two brothers Benjamin and Kenneth with whom she remained very close to throughout their lives. Both Ben and Ken had preceded her in death. A wonderful example of strength, love, and resilience, she will be remembered in our hearts forever. Family and friends were clearly her source of love and joy. She loved spending time outdoors with them, hosting her famous cookouts, which would begin with her favorite outdoor games of horseshoes and croquet and end with a campfire and s'mores. Holidays, especially Christmas, were her absolute favorite time of year, bringing together all the people she loves most in this world. Her children remember fondly the many family camping adventures Judy and Jim coordinated summer after summer, trips to the county fair, endless sleepovers with friends, and the home she loved being the central gathering place for her kids and their friends to play for hours on end. We all have so many wonderful memories, now precious, something we’ll always have to cherish. She was the matriarch of this family. Each one of us became who we are because of her impact as a mother, grandmother, and friend. Her immense love was given without condition. So loving, supportive and encouraging, she was always there when we needed her, and we could count on her to listen, comfort, and help in any way she could. Judy enjoyed the simplest things in life. Even the smallest gesture made her incredibly happy, a phone call, a card, a visit, or a kiss and a hug before saying goodbye or goodnight. We were the most important people in the world to her. She never let us forget we were her love, her life, her world. She lived to make our lives better and was immensely proud of each of us. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her over the last few months, and to all who offered support and sympathy. An intimate prayer service will be held at Independence Lutheran Church, Independence WI on Sunday, April 3 at 12:30pm. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Judith Lynn Cmelak, please visit our flower store.