Judith Quirt

Madison - Judith Ann Gerczak "Judi" Quirt passed away August 23, 2011 after a courageous 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She is and will be missed by her family, extended families, and her many, many friends. Sons Matt and Ben and husband Charley will miss their best friend, their best ally, and the loving spirit that did so much to make them a family and to feel loved.

Judi had a great heart which she shared with so many. She impacted lives by how she helped, how she loved, and how she lived and leaves the hole the size of the Grand Canyon in many hearts.

Judi is survived by her husband Charley, her sons Matt and Ben, her mother Lambertha "Betty" Gerczak (Van Woezik), and her siblings Jim (& Carol) Gerczak, John (& Dawn) Gerczak, Jeff (& Julie) Gerczak, Jeri (& John/Jack) Kelly, Joan (& Gary) Theyel, Joe Gerczak, Jill (& Tim) Clark, and Jay (& Ann Marie) Gerczak; and her numerous and wonderful nieces and nephews, and their children. In addition, her mother in-law Emmy Quirt, and additional in-laws (Jim &) Peg Dosen, Tom (& Carol) Quirt, Dan (& Patti) Quirt, and the numerous and wonderful nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Larry Gerczak and father in-law Charles Quirt.

Judith Ann Gerczak was the second in Larry & Betty Gerczak's family of 9, raised in Green Bay. Those who knew her best knew she bled the Packer Green and Gold! She received her BS at Eau Claire in Public Health, only 3 with that newest of majors. She returned to Green Bay to work for a short period time until her marriage to Charley in 1973 when she moved to Columbus, WI; she worked for the local hospital. They then moved to Madison; where she was a public health inspector. She earned her MBA and began her consulting career. Later she headed up the Meriter Hospital Public Health division. She then led the education efforts of the South Central Wisconsin Area Health Education Center. Education was always her passion, helping young people do more with their lives and finding the careers that would make their life fulfilling.

Charley was fortunate to meet Judi while at UW Eau Claire in September, 1971; they were married in November, 1973; moved to Columbus, WI; then made their home in Madison for 36 years. They enjoyed a marriage of 37+ years, and the times they spent with their cherished sons.

Judi enjoyed creating family traditions, making special events very special, and making everyone feel special. As a family, they enjoyed travel, boating trips across Lake Michigan, and lately pontoon boating at their cottage, all with great friends.

It humbled Judi to receive the amount of support her friends and family gave, whether it was a card, meal, visit, e-mail, or phone call. The family cannot begin to thank all who made her life better by your caring. It will never be forgotten.

The family wishes to thank everyone from GHC (esp Dr. Stein), from UW Oncology (esp Dr. Mulkerin & Hollis), and the Hospice Center; who are all a blessing we in Madison don't fully realize. And yes, the Gilda house that hosted Judi's 60th party. Charlie, Matt and Ben want to thank all who attended, and attended in spirit, her "So Glad To Be 60" birthday party, celebrated not on her birthday but on the anniversary of her 1 year battle with cancer; and St Thomas (Father Don, Erik, Holly, & all).

Judi now enjoys the feeling of good health again, freedom of travel, the wings of an angel, and the happiness she has so richly earned.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. with Msgr. Donn Heiar presiding. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, on Saturday, August 27, 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at church on Sunday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of mass. After the service you will be welcome to gather at St Thomas Parish's social hall.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Pancreatic Action Network www.pancan.org (Donate Now, designate Judi Quirt); Hospice Center Fitchburg http://www.hospicecareinc.com/; UW Oncology Research http://www.uwhealth.org/our-carbone-cancer-center/27366; or Gilda's Club Madison www.gildasclubmadison.org .
Her path during this fight can be found at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judiquirt/journal.