Judith LaFauci Obituary

Ms. Judith Elizabeth Cleage LaFauci, 82, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Whole Life Ministries, 2621 Washington Road #3, Augusta, Georgia 30904. The family will greet friends immediately following the service.

Judith was preceded in death by her sister, Alma Jean Koch, and her half-brother, Kip Cleage.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Angela LaFauci Rodgers of Aiken, South Carolina; Christine LaFauci Kralemann (David) of Salem, Alabama; and Tony LaFauci (Kelley) of Macon, Georgia. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Kelly Lese Peters (Drew), Timothy L. Wolf, Jr., Joseph James Roddy, and Madeline Anna LaFauci, and a cherished great-grandmother to Camryn Leigh Johnson and Beau Daniel Peters. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Strickland (Tim), Richard Koch, Shannon Koch, and David Koch, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Clifford F. Cleage and Evelyn Brewer Cleage, Judith built a successful career in the banking industry before retiring. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a dedicated member of Whole Life Ministries, she faithfully served on the Praise and Worship Team, the choir, and the Prayer Team, sharing her joyful spirit and unwavering devotion.

Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, Judith used her talent throughout her life, including performing with Sweet Adelines, where she formed lasting friendships and brought joy to many through music.

Judith's family shared a love for tennis, and she and her children enjoyed competing together in their younger years. She delighted in life's simple pleasures, going to the movies, even attempting to negotiate one last trip in her final weeks, dining out with loved ones, and caring deeply for her dog and cat pets. Her warmth, humor, and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew her.

In honor of Judith's great love for animals, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Friends of the Animal Shelter, Aiken, South Carolina. https://www.fotasaiken.org/donate/

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Trinity Hospice and Edgefield Post Acute for the exceptional care, kindness, and support shown to Ms. LaFauci. Their dedication and willingness to go above and beyond brought comfort and peace during her final days.