Judy (Dodge) Figol, age 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18th, 2024 at Accent Care Inpatient Hospice in Wauwatosa, WI. She was blessed in her final weeks to say her last goodbyes to her dear family members and loving friends that were able to visit her.
She was born in Milwaukee on April 26th, 1941, as Judith Ellen Dodge. Judy’s mother, Kathleen (Birt) Dodge instilled the family values and loving devotion that prepared Judy to become our family’s strong matriarch. She always made it a priority to plan family gatherings and that each family member felt special and loved. Judy was married to George Figol for 20 years and had four beautiful children. Even after their divorce, Judy and George attended many family events to show how to keep a family together. She cherished family gatherings, wearing a warm smile, giving comforting hugs, and bringing joy to everyone present.
Judy dedicated her life to her family and community by being super supportive in helping others, crafting, embroidery, crocheting, and cooking delicious meals. Grandchildren especially anticipated their own special supply of her homemade Christmas cookies and peanut brittle every year. Let’s not forget to mention her delicious calico beans! Many-a-hater of baked beans changed their minds once they tried a bite of hers and realized they couldn’t get enough. However, the care and lessons didn’t stop with food.
She participated in the art of clowning with her brother Dick. Her clown name was “Bubbles” and she helped make their costumes. They had so much fun bringing joy and laughter to others. She was so friendly, kind, and loving that she could have easily won the title of “Miss Congeniality” of her senior living facility. She had a way of making each person that crossed her path feel unique and special.
Judy was a Jack-of-All-Trades and could make a dollar stretch when it came to any kind of project for her kids, grandkids or making a house feel like a cozy home. She enjoyed being a bookworm, and getting lost in any mystery she could get her hands on. Judy found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Project Runway was a favorite show that she’d watch once a week with her daughter, Anna. It made Judy’s day whenever someone was willing to sit and watch any of her favorite TV shows like Chopped, The Great Junior British Baking Show, Beating Chef Bobby Flay, or a mystery on the British Broadcast Channel.
Judy’s love was always unconditional and supportive. If you were having a difficult time, hitting one obstacle after another, she would say, “That’s okay honey don’t give up. Just do a little bit at a time and before you know it, you’re half-way there. I know you can do this!” She was our favorite fan and cheerleader. Judy always found practical ways to empower you. She was a living example on how to be patient, loving, considerate, and persevere through tough times. Judy shared her knowledge and talents with enthusiasm. She was an inspiration throughout all her life. As a single mom, she learned to drive at 42 and went back to school. She earned her degree as an Occupational Therapist. She started her career working as the Activities Director at St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee and finished her career at Linden Grove in New Berlin, Wisconsin.
She was a dear sister to her siblings: Jean and (Robert) Tester (predeceased), and brother Richard and (Jody) Dodge.
She was a beloved mother to her children: son Jeffrey Figol, daughter Kathleen Pooler (predeceased), daughter Anna and (John) Greiten (predeceased), son Christopher and (Vicki) Figol.
She was a tender loving Nana/Grandma to: Shawn Figol, Adam and (Kandace) Figol, Christopher Pooler, Emily Pooler, Jacob Greiten and his fiancée Neava Beck, Nicholas Figol, Justin Figol and his girlfriend Rachel Bogatay, Luke Figol and his girlfriend Kendra Meier, Donovan Figol and his girlfriend Elizabeth “Betsy” Lepak, as well as her step-grandchildren: Destinee and (Ian) Morris, Mitchell and (Hannah) Lanza, Paij and (Corey) Benzmiller.
The surviving great-grandchildren of Judy are: Dante Keiser, Shawn-Michael Figol Jr., Ivy Greiten, and step-great-grandchild Maxby Morris.
Visitation and services will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, N88W17658 Christman Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051 on Thursday April 4th, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Memorial Service is held at 6 PM. Please join us and share memories to honor Judy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite charity St. Jude’s Hospital.
