Judy Kolanowski Obituary

Thinking of you.

Wendy Malinowski

It's great to see a real life love story. I'm sorry it had this interruption. I admire your loyalty and your obvious enduring love.

July 1st 2012 Lighting A Candle for our 45th Wedding Anniversary.

I miss you Grandma<3

My deepest sympathy to Jamie, Gene and their family. I am thankful that I was priviledged to know Judy. She was a very sweet lady!

Gone but not forgotten-- you will live in my heart forever!

Gone but never forgotten. She lives on in our hearts and minds.

VERY SPECIAL LADY TAKEN TO SOON IN LIFE.

Judy was a great lady and a wonderful neighbor. Our family was privileged to know her.
May God bless her and take care of her

My sister had a sense of humor. I will never forget the time we visited them in Illinois and she short sheeted me. That has been many years ago and Judy always laughed when the subject was brought up. My family always loved being with Judy. She was a natural. We had many great times together. Although God did not allow her to move back to South Carolina near the lake, he moved her to a beautiful place where the sun shines all the time and there is no more pain, and no more tears. We miss Judy very much. We will always cherish the times we spent together.

We met Judy at the stable in Santee, CA. We love horses and so did she and her family. Judy and Gene helped us pick out our horse shortly after that. We went on trail rides and learned how little we knew about riding. Together, we became really good horse people.

Judy was a gentle, loving person in everything she did. She taught us how to take care of our dogs, cats, horse, kids and anything else that came about. Her personality was love and caring and her belief was to help those less capable than herself. Judy always tried to help you from her personal experiences and everything she gave was from the heart.

Everyone who loves animals knows another animal lover by the way animals respond to them. We have a Chow and two cats. The only person they would go to besides us was Judy. Judy was able to cut Bear's claws without a fight and now I see how much better she understood how animals feel. I cut Bear's claws for the first time and realized just how much Judy was a part of our life.

It has been almost six months now and we still expect the phone to ring with Judy inviting us to come over to eat with Gene and her. I think about the holidays, our kids and good times of the past. Because of her loving outreach, our family has expanded across the country and we will always have loved ones close by, no matter where we go.

Judy, we will miss you but will never forget. Our lives are forever enhanced by knowing and loving you. Know that your family is ours and can call on us for anything. Rest in peace and we will see you in time.

Judy was one of the most loving and caring woman I have ever met. I miss her very much!.

An awesome lady that is missed by all that knew her.

Our family suffered a terrible loss when Judy passed away. I really miss her very much. I think about her every day I use somthing in my house that she made for me, from the key holder that she made from a picture of Hampton, to the paper towel holder next to my kitchen sink , to the end table in my living room and the "wishing well" in my back yard. Each item she made has a story and a memory attached to it. I was amazed at her talent for making these things. I miss our talks about animals. She loved telling me stories about her cats, dogs and horses. She told me since I lived in the country and had a barn, I have to have a cat and she gave me two orange kittens. That was the start of my own menagerie. I had dogs and horses, but never cats. She taught me to love them like she did.I enjoyed our family "get-togethers when Sonny played his guitar and Judy would sing along with him. We had some really good times. Judy was also a talented singer. She was taken from us way to soon, but the stories and memories we shared will remain in my heart forever.

The last photo taken in Feb, 2009

Although I never had the privilege to meet Judy, I feel as though I knew her from the stories that Gene would share with me. From reading the entries in this guest book and in hearing Gene talk about her, it is clear has a wonderful group of friends and family who loved her very much.

We are so sorry for your loss. We've all lost a good friend.
I remember the first Christmas Judy worked at Midwest. She had my name in the gift exchange. She bought me a yellow & white stocking cap that, to this day, I still wear in the wintertime.
Then when Jamie was born, she asked me to be his Godfather. After that, I got to know Gene & Judy and Sonny & Jamie even better and became closer friends.
I remember the parties you had at your place and the hayrides at my Dad's farm.
When I started going with Diane, you invited us over on December 26th when it was about 30 degrees below zero. Later, Judy told me she was "a keeper". She was right.
Then when Diane & I were planning our wedding, we asked Jamie to be in the wedding party and asked Gene and Judy to play and sing at the wedding. You were scared because you'd never done anything like that before, but being the friends you were, of course you did it. You both did yourselves proud and we received so many compliments on Judy's voice.
When you started your ranch, I remember helping you put up the fences and helping you get things started.
When you moved to Tennessee, we had no one to play "nertz" with! We're so glad we spent this last Thanksgiving with you and took the time to say goodbye to our friend. You both made sure we had a wonderful time.
God Bless Your Family.
Ken, Diane and Karyn Regner

Though I never met Judy, in person, I felt like I knew her in our phone conversations and emails. My sister-in -law Chris met Judy at Cracker Barrel , Dickson , Tn and she suggested to Judy to call me in Florida. Judy was a warm and caring soul and she will be watching over her family and friends on Earth and in heaven.
Our prayers and sympathy are with you for the loss of your beloved Judy.
Barbara and Rich Kimbley

Sonny, Lil'Sonny & Jaime,
It's so hard to believe Judy is no longer with us - but I am sure she is watching over us from up above in spirit. She was a wonderful friend, and left us with countless memories to cherish. Judy was a special person with a terrific sense of humor, always with a smile on her face and in her voice. She was talented beyond belief in many areas, and had the boundless energy of a teenager. Her love of animals was well known to everyone, and every animal loved her back unconditionally.
May all the wonderful memories you made together through the years sustain you in the times ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Love and Hugs,
Sudy & Jim

Our condolences to the family Gene, lil Sonny, & Jamie from friends of the old neighborhood in Round Lake Beach, Il.
Adan & Lupe Hernandez

Dear Sonny and Family,
Judy was not just my neighbor she was my friend.Her love for animals was amazing. She was very special.Her last days were painful and diffucult. She would come over and say{I need a huge today.}We talked alot about God. Judy is O.K. Judy would love for all to be happy.I miss her dearly, I was blessed to have know her.

Margaret and Randall Holland
Bon Aqua, Tn.

We are sorry to hear of Judy's passing. We know she will be greatly missed. We will always remember her kindness and her genuine love of animals.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy & prayers.

Sonny,
So many memories come flooding back of the times we all shared together. I remember the nights you played your guitar and you and Judy would sing. She had a beautiful voice. One of the songs that I enjoyed hearing her sing was, “On the wings of a Dove.” I remember Judy encouraging me to sing and even write my own songs. She was so talented in her poetry writing and her art skills. I saw the picture of Judy and Kristin on Roo and it reminded me of the many times Judy would take Tiffany for a horsey ride. Judy was a beautiful person both inside and out. Although Judy is no longer here with us physically, I’m sure she is looking down on us from heaven and I for one am grateful for the wonderful memories she has left us. Love, Gaby

Sonny,
Judy was indeed a very special person. I remember she could put a smile on anyone's face. I wish I could have been there for your last dance with her at the celebration of life - her new life in Heaven with our Lord. She may be gone from this earth but will be with you and your family forever in your hearts. Memories are a wonderful thing and will comfort you in the days to come. Just remember she is in a place of peace and will suffer no more. I truly believe we will dance again with Judy and Eddie when we are called to our special place in heaven with them. My prayers are with you and your family.

Judy was the most amazing lady I had ever met. I can't believe she is gone. She told me once that she wanted to spend the rest of what time she had left in South Carolina to be with her brothers and sisters that she had been away from for so long. She may not have made it to S.C., but you can rest easy that she made it to heaven. And she is with her other loved ones that were waiting for her. And to know she is with our Lord almighty, makes me smile. WE LOVE YOU JUDY AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH.

Yes,Judy could sing, This was going to be our album cover.

Gene & Family,
We have so many GREAT memories of visits with Judy & you. We wern't your neighbors but nine month. We all enjoyed the time we spent helping with cleanning stalls and feeding the horses.
I hope you stay in touch.

Judy was a rare person. One in a million. Truely kind, talented, loving and just a bit of onery! I am lucky to have known her and blessed to have had her in my life.

Our loved ones never really die because they live on in our hearts and memories. Judy has taken the next step in her journey. Praise a loving Heavenly Father that she was on loan to all for a while...and believe that one day, you will see her again, where there will be no more parting. Thoughts and prayers.

I worked with Judy in El Cajon CA, at Equality Screw Company. I can truely say I loved her. She was such a sweet and kind friend. She loved her animals soo much and this lady was sooo talented. I have a piece of her artwork. It is a beautiful horse she painted on a piece of slate. Wish I had more. I was so totally shocked when I heard of her illness and her untimely death. She was a fantastic e-mail buddy, great forwards and little tid bits to make us laugh.. I miss her so much. When I go to send e-mails when I put in J, her name pops up and it saddens me that she won't be on the other end of the e-mail.. I will see you again sweet Judy.. Tell Jesus hello for me...

We will truly miss all the visits across the fence. In my heart you are deeply missed. All the smiles, all the craze, we will all truly miss your sweet face.
Your blissful thought were always there, the advice you would always share.
To the family of a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, daughter and sister. Our deepest love and thoughts are with you!
Gene,
If you need anything you know where to find us....We are so sorry for the loss of Judy! We love yaw both!!!!

I will miss Judy. She was a good friend to me. She was there when I needed to talk. We worked together and also lived across the street from each other so we would get together and eat supper and sit on the swing and talk.I will always remember her.

Both Debbie and I are saddened with the passing of such a friend. We will miss that dry humor that Judy always gave out. I fondly remember those weekends spent at their home in Roundlake Beach, going out for a fast food meal and a movie with the boys. The time we went to the Railway museum with the kids. Judy and Sonny stopped here and camped in our yard on thier way to Tn. from Ca. We all had a lot of fun and the memories will always be with us.

Sonny,
You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your bride Judy. I never had the chance to meet her in person but from her e-mails I knew she was a wonderful careing person.
I hope you can have comfort from this Bible verse.
"Do not fear, for I am with you: Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Sonny, anytime you need someone to talk to just call as I am there for you.

cu and God Bless you.

Dave Reynolds ex MM2 and Gail

We loved our most recent communications with Judy. She was always so up about all life's blessings. We will miss her. Her poetry has kept us going the past few weeks, and we are happy to have it.
We will miss her. Love, John and Sandy

Sonny, Sonny Jr., and Jaime,
Judy was one of kind. Her passion was you, family, her love of horses, and her passion for creating works of art, both in wood and words. She could turn on the sunshine in my ailing mother's eyes each time you came to visit. I will especially remember the loving care she provided to all the animals in her care. She truly was an instrument of God and I'm humbled by her life.

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." John 14:1-4

Judy was a real treasure here at Shiloh Industries. She had a strong work ethic, a smile for everyone, and is sadly missed. From her former supervisor at Shiloh,

Sonny,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love
Kristy and Jon Szabo (Gail's Daughter)

Gene:
So sorry for your loss of your wife I know how much you loved her. God has been good to the both of you by giving you the time you both had together. Take care & God Bless you Ms Emma Jimmy Drake State Farm

We miss Aunt Judy so very much. We will never forget her, she will always be in our hearts. I will never forget the times that she came down to spend time with us. I will always cherish the T-shirt she helped me make our of material. She was such a beautiful person, her talent, her personality, the way she did things. Things really hit me last Saturday that she really was gone, but after seeing everyone and all the pictures, she's only gone physically, not metally nor spiritually. I think about her everyday and I'm so glad she's not suffering anymore, I will see her one day again.
*We Love you Aunt Judy*

Sonny,
Our condolences to you and your family for the loss of Judy. You are in our prayers daily. Judy was such a strong and inspirational woman. She had such a beautiful soul and spirit. She once told me recently "that everyday she awoke was just another gift from God". She is with him now and out of pain. I know she touched the heart of every one she met. She for sure left an everlasting mark on mine. I only wish I had half her strength. Remember, she will be with you forever in mind and spirit.
Love,(cousin) Gail and Family

JUDY WAS A GREAT SISTER-IN-LAW AND A FRIEND. SHE WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS.
I WILL REALLY MISS HER!

As I read the guest book for Judy, there were alot of things that many failed to mention about her. She was an amazing woman. Judy was #5 of 10 children, 4 boys and 6 girls. She was a compassionate person with a heart of gold. As all of her sisters are, Judy was spirited in nature, with a very mischievous streak. GOD blessed her will so many talents. She was extremely artistic and had a beautiful voice. Judy could have challenged any country star today; but was never in the right place at the right time. Her drawings and paintings were phenomenal and could have been mass produced as wall hangings or calendars. Judy's latest creative talent was explored in wood crafting. She built many miscellaneous items including tack boxes, wishing wells, porch swings, rocking horses, and the best of all...carousel horses. I was blessed enough that she left three of these treasured pieces, carousel horses, to me in her will. Judy had the tenacity and talent to do anything that she wanted. It was stated that she was an excellent horsewoman. That she was! She loved all of her animals. While she took such tender care of them, she also let them know that she was boss...all (maybe) 125 pounds of her!! Size didn't matter to her! She could have been an excellent veterinarian, horse trainer, county music star, business woman, or anything that she would have wanted to. She chose to be a mother and just to add flavor to her life with these other things that she also loved. I was with Judy during the last 10 days of her life. She was a strong and courageous woman until the very end. The most precious thing about Judy is that she let her family know that she wanted to see them again. She knew that she was going to be with her LORD very soon. Some of her last conversations were to encourage all to make sure they had their lives right with JESUS. I love my sister and I miss her immensely. I miss her voice, her smile, and the twinkle in her eyes. But I will see her again. Judy suffers no more pain or disease. Judy now has a perfect body and sings in the Heavenly Angelic Choir. When you look around you and see the beauty in all of nature, you can think of Judy. Judy was beautiful in every aspect of her nature. We all love and miss you Judy. And yes, we know that you love us too!

Gene, we are so sorry for your loss. I remember the posse rides we shared. Also the great wishing well Judy did for our backyard.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Sonny,I saw your last dance last Thursday, not a dry eye in the church. She was some kind of lady.She will be missed.My cousin and I send our condolences.

Dear Gene and family, I know this is a terrible loss for you. Judy was a wonderful friend as well as an excellent horsewoman, artist and poet. Her special touch will be felt for a long time by many. Each time I see her little hand carved and hand painted shelf here in the house, I will think fondly of what a warm spirit she shared with everyone. It has a good luck horseshoe on it--well she was certainly blessed with talent and a great husband. Godspeed, Judy, we will miss you. Take good care of yourself Gene. Love, Bill and Cindy Seng

Judy was the love of my life,how do I live without her,how do I cope? Our first time we danced the song was Unchained Melody sung by the Righteous Brothers, during a band intermission at the Merchants Seaman Club in Charleston.S.C. Our last dance was also Unchained Melody, But this time sung by Miss Leann Rimes at the Celebration of Judy,s life at the United Methodist Church in Bon Aqua TN. on March 5th 2009. I will always love her.

Sonny - Mom told me you had called. So sad to hear of Judy's passing. Please drop me a note, I left my e-mail. Diane (Schroeder) and family

WE WILL MISS OUR SISTER OUR FRIEND. SHE LOVED UNCONDITIONALLY. WE WILL CHERISH THE MEMORIES WITH HER ALWAYS. MAY GOD BLESS HER HUSBAND, AND HER CHILDREN, 'LIL SONNY AND JAMIE.

WE MISS JUDY SO MUCH. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL AND LOVING SISTER, WIFE AND MOTHER. ONE DAY WE WILL BE WITH HER AGAIN. OUR HEART GOES OUT TO, "BIG"SONNY, "LIL"SONNY AND JAMIE.

Sorry, to here of Judy pasting. My condolences to family and Sonny, Sonny and Jamie. May god bless you all comfort y'all in this difficult times.

The Lord said "It is time to come home Judy." Although there is no more pain, My family has experienced such a great loss. Kristin misses her Aunt Judy terribly & the talks they shared each week.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, my uncle, of over 40 years. As well as her two sons.
May God bless you and comfort you in this difficult time. We love you.

May she rest in peace.

Our condolences to the family and friends. Especially Uncle Sonny, Sonny & Jamie.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.