Judith Marie Sitzes passed on August 2, 2021, just short of her 79th birthday.
Judith is survived by her loving family: Daughter Suzanne Sitzes Mersch (Joe Maloney), Son Stephan Sitzes (Shellie Sitzes), Grandchildren: Ryan Mersch (Claire Reardon), Alyssa Sitzes Snyder (Damien Snyder), Melissa Mersch (Nick Gilling), Breanna Sitzes and her sister: Jane Hajovsky Kurcsinka (Ivan Kurcsinka).
Judith was born in Long Island, NY in 1942. Hours after her wedding night at the age of 19, they drove to St. Louis where she & Jack raised their 2 children. Once her son Steve graduated high school, they moved to Orlando and lived on Lake Pearl for 20 years, hosting hundreds of visitors. Judith and Jack then moved to an adult community in Ruskin Florida and enjoyed the intercoastal waterways of the Gulf where Judith founded and was Queen of the Riverside Rascals Red Hat Club. After Jack’s passing in 2007, Judith moved to Independent living in West Palm Beach, Florida and finally came back to St. Louis in 2014. Her final home was at Crestview Senior Living in St. Louis where she shared her smile each day while scootering through the halls enjoying dominos, concerts and cards.
Judith was passionate about social gatherings (loved hosting themed parties), cruising (over 35 cruises all over the world), and any activity which included boating and waterskiing. Most of all, she was passionate about her family – prioritizing her children and grandchildren above everything.
Judith’s battle with Inclusion Body Myositis (rare form of Muscular Dystrophy) began 24 years ago at the age of 54. She was committed to beat every doctor’s prediction re: the 5-7 year expectancy by participating in trial research programs and experimental treatments. In fact, her defiance of health odds includes battles won against Lymphoma Cancer, Blood Clots, Diabetes Pneumonia and multiple infections – all in the past 6 years.
Donations can be sent to the Muscular Dystrophy Association: https://mda.donordrive.com/campaign/Judith-Sitzes, or Flowers to Kutis Funeral Home: 10151 Gravois, St. Louis MO for August 16th Visitation.
Memorial visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois on Monday, August 16, 2:00 PM until time of service at 6:00 PM.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Sitzes family. Judy & Jane were a very special part of my life growing up in Inwood. We shared our K-8 years in PS#2. May God give her rest!
My prayers and thoughts are with Suzanne & Stephan and their families at Judy’s passing. She was always such a ray of light & joy. We were fortunate to be neighbors in both St Louis and Florida We will miss her.
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Suzanne, Stephen and your families, and her sister, Jane, on the passing of your beloved mother and sister, Judy. I had the pleasure of working with Judy in the Woodside Village Women’s Club for the 20 years she and Jack, your Dad, lived in our Orlando neighborhood. She was super organized and had a bubbly personality, a twinkle in her eyes, the most contagious smile enhanced with pure happy laughter. We enjoyed so many of their infamous themed parties, the stories they told, and always had a great time at their home on the shores of Lake Pearl. She was a dear friend and your parents were true assets to the neighborhood. We were truly saddened when they moved to Ruskin. Judy was courageous and determined in her long health battle. I admire her for her strength and verve for life. I kept in touch with her via Facebook during her final years. May God grant her peace. May your wonderful memories of her give you comfort and knowing that she and your Dad are reunited for eternity in God’s heavenly place.
To Judy’s Family
Chrissie and I have so many fond memories
of both Judy and Jack. All the fun trips, boating, tennis and just fellowship in
Woodside Village. Our children often
shared in these events and have all relayed
memories of Jack’s mischief and Judy’s fondness of entertaining not to mention
Those fabulous desserts
In true form, Judy exceeded expectations
once again when presented with this rare disorder . Warmest regards to all!
Gary and Chrissie Pardue
Eustis Florida
We are so sad to hear of Judy’s passing. We have wonderful memories of Judy and Jack and feel very blessed to have been friends and neighbors with them on Lake Pearl. They were the heart and soul of Lake Pearl.
Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to Suzanne, Steve, Janie and the rest of the family.
Kristin and Sonya