Judith Jane Schultz Pedersen (née Cutler) passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026. Her remarkable journey centered on family, friendship, and appreciation for the joys that filled her life.

Judith (Judy) was born on July 26, 1933, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Henry and Letta (née Hills) Cutler. She graduated from North Fond du Lac High School in 1951, where she was actively involved in music, drama, forensics, and cheerleading. Judy was especially proud of playing the French horn and her roles in music theatre during her high school years. She continued her studies at FDL Vocational Business College and the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where she earned recognition on the Dean's List. She held positions as an administrative assistant and office manager in the fields of medicine, law, business, and the church. She also enjoyed working as a Twin City Hostess in Neenah-Menasha. She brought skill, professionalism, and warmth to each of her career roles.

In 1953, Judy married her high school sweetheart, Eugene Schultz, the father of her beloved daughters. The couple lived on Army bases initially until they settled in Menasha, Wisconsin. Eugene's life was tragically cut short, leaving Judy at age 29 to carry forward with courage and devotion to her young family. In 1965, she married Albert Pedersen, who became her lifelong love, companion, and partner. Married 54 years until Al's passing, together they built a life with lasting affection rooted in family and community.

Judy was a woman of many interests and talents. An enthusiastic bridge player earning masterpoints, she treasured time spent around the card table with clubs and friends in Menasha and Racine. She volunteered as secretary of the Racine Garden Club where she created monthly newsletters. Her family adored her homemade greeting cards and her renowned pies. Judy also had an extraordinary love for animals—as a Ragdoll cat breeder, she found great joy in caring for them.

Above all, Judy cherished her family. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt who was counted upon for her loving nature, generous smile, and infectious laughter.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Deborah Pasha (née Schultz), Karen (Robert) Walters Maleske (née Schultz), and Susan Schultz; her grandchildren, Kathryn Katz (née Walters), Kira (Matt) Walters Simonis, Gabrielle Pasha, Nathan (Karma Palzom) Pasha, and Melissa (Dan Pieringer) Maleske; and her great-grandchildren, Avi, Eila, Isabelle, Kora, Nova, Forrest, Lola, Lenny, Walter, and Leo. She is further survived by her former son-in-law, Don Walters, beloved nieces and nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends. She is predeceased by her parents, husbands, siblings (Donald Cutler, Ronald Cutler, and Beatrice Thompson), and sister-in-law (Margaret Cox).

Judy will be fondly remembered for her "Auntie Mame" ways, as she celebrated life with others through her fun-loving spirit, affectionate nature, and unwavering love. She believed that "family is everything."

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Judy's kind caregivers and medical providers, most recently to the staff of St. Monica's Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate, around-the-clock care, as well as the support that they provided to Judy and her family.

A private celebration of Judy's life will take place in Menasha later in August. She will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Monica's Senior Living of Racine in Judith Pedersen's memory.