Judith Kay Testa

Judith Kay Testa, 84, died peacefully Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Judith had numerous nicknames, including Judy, Jude, Jibby Judy and Judy Pudy, to name a few. These terms of endearment were signs that she was dearly loved by those who knew her.

Judy was born May 22, 1940, at Harper Hospital in Detroit, the second child of Harold and Catherine Johnson. She was the dear wife of Robert Testa; and beloved mother of Lisa Ulbrich (Peter) and Rob Testa. She also is survived by her loving siblings, Barbara McBrearty, Harold Johnson (Jo Ann), Kitty Lavery (Fred) and Susan Peterson. She was predeceased by her youngest sibling, Mary Beth Sheehan; and brothers-in-law, William McBrearty and Robert Peterson. Her favorite title was that of grandmother to Jay, Chuck and Evie Ulbrich. She also was a caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Judy spent her early childhood in Detroit and attended St. Theresa Visitation School. Her family then moved to Grosse Pointe and she graduated from St. Paul High School in 1958. She married Bob in March 1968. She spent a number of years working at Campbell Ewald and then took time off to start a family. When she reentered the workforce, she eventually landed at Adlhoch & Associates as the office manager and bookkeeper. She worked there for 42 years and made lifelong friends who continued to be an important part of her life, even after she retired at age 80.

Judy was an avid reader before her vision declined due to macular degeneration. She was creative and excelled at whatever new hobby she picked up, whether cooking, baking, crafting homemade ornaments, sewing or knitting. Her longest-lasting hobby was creating and painting various forms of pottery in the tiny room under the stairs, referred to as the “ceramic room” to this day, at her home on Parkcrest Drive, often doing so alongside her mom and daughter.

Judy learned to make pasta, sauce and other traditional Italian dishes from the best — her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law. She spent countless hours preparing these meals with love and was known for her amazing spaghetti and meatball dinners, which she only stopped making within the last year.

Judy was a considerate soul and a great listener with sage advice that she was thoughtful enough to dispense only upon request. Her quick wit kept her family, friends and co-workers in stitches. Some of her memorable sayings that hold a special place in her family’s hearts include, “This too shall pass,” “Treat others as you want to be treated,” “You never know what someone else is going through,” “That’s allota pachansa” (used to call someone out for being less than honest) and “You’re so good looking” (in response to a sneeze, as she was a big fan of “Seinfeld”).

There are many heartwarming memories of her, including her love for Johnny Mathis and Barbara Streisand, Pepsi over Coke and Bud Light over wine; her love notes and cards that made people feel like the most special person in the world; endless meals at National Coney Island, Salvatore Scallopini, Jumps Restaurant, Bogart’z Food & Spirits, Champs Rotisserie & Seafood and the front window table at City Kitchen; her stubborn refusal to wear denim or shorts; and her plethora of shirts, blouses and sweaters, all in beige. There also were a decade’s worth of summers spent at the Johnson farmhouse in Cheboygan, ferry rides to Mackinac Island, trips to the Detroit Zoo, summers spent at the cottage on Mullet Lake and annual reunions at Neff Park, just to name a few.

There were countless sporting events and recitals Grandma Pudy attended for all of her grandkids. She even was named honorary manager by her grandson’s basketball team and given her own jersey, as she was their most supportive fan. The lengths she would go to find the most obscure toys that were sold out everywhere were quite impressive. Her sleepovers and playdates were legendary and frequent. Jay, Chuck and Evie were her pride and joy. She never missed an opportunity to share her wisdom and affection with them and they will never question how special they were to her. This close bond was evident by the fact they had weekly phone calls with her.

Even near the end of her life, when the tasks of daily living were becoming more difficult, Judy often led with kindness and appreciation. Almost every person who interacted with her made it a point to tell Judy’s family she thanked them for doing their job well. It was such a simple gesture, yet people were incredulous that someone in her situation would be so thoughtful as to make them feel valued. Judy was a gem and her legacy of love will be treasured by so many.

Funeral services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the BrightFocus Foundation for macular degeneration research, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871, donate.brightfocus.org/bff/donate.