Judith L. Sawin, age 78, of Menomonie, died Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at her home with her family by her side.

Judy was born February 23, 1939 in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ray and Peg (Van Keulen) Lease.  She grew up in Madison, graduating from Wisconsin High School. She went on to Carroll College in Waukesha, graduating with a degree in English. On June 11, 1960, Judy married Philip Q. Sawin Jr. in Madison.  After marriage, they lived in Connecticut, New York and eventually settled in Menomonie, where they raised their four children.  While in Menomonie, Judy worked as a Juvenile Intake Aid for Dunn County Health and Human Services for many years until she retired.

Judy enjoyed playing bridge, knitting, traveling, and was an avid reader.  She was a member of many clubs, including P.E.O.

Judy is survived by her husband Phil, and their four children, Mark Sawin of Knapp, Pete (Deb) Sawin of Belleair, FL, Philip (Leigh Ann) Sawin, III of Two Harbors, MN, and Liz (Burke) Welch of Menomonie; seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Zachary, Mary, Keegan, Emma, Madison, and Keeley; and her sister, Barbara Harper of Middleton. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will be having a private memorial service with burial at a later date at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Menomonie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, CO  80502.

A Celebration of Judy’s life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Friday, December 22, 2017 at the Log Jam in Menomonie.

Condolences

1. Bonnie and Tony Pelikan January 11, 2018, at 7:09pm

   Our family is very sorry for your loss. Sorry to hear this sad news today.

2. Mackenzie Corning December 28, 2017, at 11:40am

   I always looked forward to Judy’s visits while I cared for her husband Philip at The Neighbors. I’m saddened to hear of her passing. Judy was full of spunk, kept Phil on his toes, loved her grandkids and children dearly, and was one of the most stylish ladies I have come to know! I will miss her. And to Liz and her family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers especially. It is not easy ever to lose a loved one, especially someone as dear as Judy, but more so around the holidays.
   Xoxo Mackenzie Corning

3. Jeanne Hawkes Hoffmann December 27, 2017, at 3:49pm

   I am so sorry of the passing of my friend, Judy Lease. I have been friends with Judy all through Wisconsin High School along with my twin Judy Hawkes. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
   Jeanne Hawkes Hoffmann

4. Doug & Rachel Selchow December 23, 2017, at 1:03pm

   Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Judy was very special and she will be missed greatly

5. Sally Sennett Castle December 22, 2017, at 6:56pm

   I am saddened to read that Judy passed away. I have known Judy since we were toddlers in Madison, as our parents were best friends - Peg and Ray Lease and my parents, Ray and Helen Sennett. I remember staying at each others home while our parents played bridge on a Saturday Night. Also many family dinners together.

   I also remember Judy's delightful Christmas letters. She was a wonderful lady, and I will remember her fondly.

   Sally Sennett Castle

6. Melissa Davies December 21, 2017, at 10:24pm

   What an amazing Women. She had hutzpah, my favorite trait. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know she made an impact on all who had the privilege of meeting her.

7. Sonja Stoudt December 21, 2017, at 6:13pm

   Myself and my family will forever remember Judy's hearty laugh at bridge club. She enjoyed life to the fullest and was a wonderful person. She will be missed by everyone.

8. Tim Broetzmann December 21, 2017, at 4:47pm

   Judy was a member of our caregivers group when we lived in Menomonie. If there is such a thing as a caregive mentor, Judy was it. We even shared a common interest in antiques. Bless y'all.

9. Susan Sawin December 21, 2017, at 4:13pm

   Aunt Judy was such a kind and funny person - I know she will be missed and warmly remembered. Sending love and hugs from the NC branch.

10. Joyce McManus December 21, 2017, at 12:47pm

    My sincere sympathy to the family. Remembering all our Northern Lights adventures and will miss our yearly luncheons. What a neat lady, you'll be greatly missed.

11. Peter Roe December 21, 2017, at 9:15am

    To the Sawin family, especially Mark and Pete, so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Prayers are with you all during this time.

12. Margaret Ritzer December 21, 2017, at 8:59am

    We are saddened to learn of Judy's death and offer our sympathy and prayers to her family. She was a beautiful person whose cheerful smile and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by those who knew her and loved her. Jim and Margaret.

13. Lois Sipple December 21, 2017, at 8:45am

    My love and prayers go out to Judy's family. She was a very special lady. Lois Sipple

14. Ruby Clark December 21, 2017, at 5:30am

    Judy was a wonderful person. Full of life and helping others when ever the need was there.
    Prayers are with you all.

15. sally wolfe December 21, 2017, at 5:17am

    So sorry to see that Judy passed on, I only knew her from the health care center when she would come to see Phil. Judy always had a smile on her face no matter what we had many good talks. May peace be with your family.

16. Kaaren Peterson December 20, 2017, at 10:25am

    It breaks my heart to hear this sad news. God Bless and comfort your family during this difficult time.

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