Judith "Jude" Ludlow

Judith H. Ludlow passed away Tuesday Oct. 10, 2023 after a long battle with cardiovascular disease.  The fourth of six children born to Harris and Helen (Kelleher) Ludlow, Jude was born in Madison Oct. 27, 1934 and was a lifelong Madisonian.

Jude graduated from Edgewood Grade School, High School, and College.  After graduating with a degree in education Jude had a thirty-year career teaching elementary school at Blessed Sacrament, Hoyt, and Thoreau schools. 

A standout athlete, Jude won the Babe Ruth Award as the top female athlete at Edgewood High School her senior year.  A smooth fielding shortstop with a lively bat, Jude played fast pitch softball through her teens and twenties, and played golf well into her seventies.

A true sports fan Jude never missed a Packer game, or virtually any sporting event involving her grandniece and grandnephews.

Through the years Jude collected a wide circle of friends.  A caring, personable character, Jude enjoyed getting together with those friends – often over a cup of coffee.

Jude never married or had children, but as a super dedicated teacher she influenced and helped hundreds of children.  Years after her teaching career ended it was amazing how Jude still remembered her students and their families. 

After teaching children for thirty years Jude moved on to her “doggy phase”.  Jude was a dedicated, enthusiastic, and loving owner of Lottie 1, Hattie, Caro, and Lottie 2.  Jude used to say “Nothing makes you feel better than to come home and be greeted by your dogs.  They are just always happy to see you.”

Jude was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Will, Dick, and Don, and grandnephew Justin Wise.  She is survived by her sister and best friend Marilyn Gundermann, her brother Ned Ludlow, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and a great grandniece and great grandnephew. 

It was important for Jude to remain in her home, maintaining her independence.  Grandnephew Tony Theis was particularly valuable in helping her to achieve this wish.  Thanks to the wonderful staff at Agrace Hospice Jude was able to stay in her home until the end.  Many relatives also stepped up to make Jude’s last days as comfortable as possible.    

There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church Monday Oct. 16^th at 11:00.  There will be a visitation before the mass starting at 10:00.