She was born December 12, 1943, in Riverside, California, to the late Cleola (Wright) and Eugene Sadowski. She earned her Bachelor of Education from The Ohio State University-Mansfield campus and her Master of Education from The Ohio State University-Columbus. Judy shared her love of learning with her students, teaching special education classes for Mansfield, Lucas and Madison schools. She retired from Madison school after a total of 40 years teaching. Judy also was a substitute teacher and tutored students in Lexington and St. Peter’s schools. Judy was the owner of Mansfield Realty for 50 years.
Judy was a generous, caring woman who was determined, focused and highly intelligent. She was tenacious in achieving her goals and was in near constant motion doing some hobby or chore. Everyone knew that Judy was there if they needed help with anything. Simply put, she loved being with people. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping often, knitting occasionally and was the best cook around. Judy was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Lexington Elks Lodge where she served as Past Secretary.
Judy is survived by a daughter, Mary Sadowski; four grandchildren, Jeanna (Michael) Groshong, Katheryn (Chris) Gonzales, Cleola Gonzales, and Jesse (Rebekah) Reed; and four great-grandchildren, Nova Reed, Thea Reed, Logan Groshong and Brantley Gonzales Banks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her partner, Richard Scott Turner.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A private graveside service will be held in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in Judy’s memory to Madison Schools or St. Peter’s Catholic School.
