Judith J. Nowak

Judith J. Nowak, age 90, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2026. Born on November 4, 1936, Judith lived a long and deeply meaningful life marked by love, devotion, creativity, and strength.

Judy was a beloved wife to Edward, dear mother to Lynn Figiel (Tom), Scott Nowak (Judy), Dawn West (Jim), Jean Place (Jeff). Her family continued to grow through the generations, and she was the cherished grandmother of John, Bob, Venessa, Steve (Kristina), Dave, Dan (Brittany), Ryan (Rebecca), Tara, and Jena (Kelby), and the treasured great-grandmother of Zander, Kaylee, Danny, Jack, Emma, Scarlett, Mason, Juliana, Levi, and Finnegan. She was a beloved aunt to many.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Justus Sr.; her mother, Anne S. Justus; her brother, John Justus Jr.; her grandson, John Figiel; her brother-in-law, Ted Nowak; and her sister-in-law, Carole Lopatka.

Over the years, Judy worked at a telephone company, and a florist, before spending decades as a fine dining luncheon server. She took pride in her work and retired after many years of service. Outside of work, she expressed her creativity in countless ways. Judy loved gardening, ceramics, crafting, jewelry making, and flower arranging . She enjoyed theatre, was a member of an investment club and belonged to the women’s guild at St. Thomas Becket.

One of Judy’s greatest blessings was her family and the love she shared with her husband, Edward. Judy and Ed were together for 73 years beginning as high school sweethearts. As a remarkable testament to their enduring love, loyalty, and companionship, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in May 2026. Their life together stands as a beautiful example to all who knew them.

Family and friends may gather for:

Visitation on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels, 450 W Lake St, Roselle, Illinois.

Prayers and final viewing will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels.

Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Walter Catholic Church, 130 W Pine Ave, Roselle, Illinois.

Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N River Rd, Des Plaines, Illinois.

Judy’s life was a blessing to her family and to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, creativity, and deep family devotion that will be carried forward by those she held dear.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org or Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030

OR

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org or St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105 (See website for printable donation form.)