Judith "Judy" M. (Lange) Drozda

Judith M. "Judy" (nee Lange) Drozda, 88, returned home to Jesus on Sunday, November 22, 2020. Former wife of the late Franklin R. Fogertey, Jr. and beloved wife of the late Howard W. Drozda; loving mother of Robbie (the late Barney) Hagen, Kara Fogertey, Franklin R. "Rusty" (Kim) Fogertey, III and Molly Fogerty; dear grandmother of Kathryn "Kate" (Andrew) Brockmeyer, Francesca "Frankie" Fogertey, Tony Richardson and Lewy Fogerty; great-grandmother of JJ, Will, and Ben; dear sister of William M. "Bill" (Noreen) Lange and the late Sally (Paul) Glasener, aunt and great-aunt.

Judy, the daughter of Raymond C. and Linnie Lange, was born in Eau Claire, WI and raised in Chippewa Falls, WI. Judy spent much of her youth riding her horse through the open lands that surrounded Chippewa Falls and developed a deep love of horses. Judy attended Abbott Academy in Andover, MA, and went to Washington University to study nursing. While at Washington University she met Frank Fogertey. Judy and Frank married and raised their four children in Kirkwood. Judy returned to college after her children were older and earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at the age of 50. Judy worked as a Hospice Worker and a Medical Historian until she retired.

Judy married Howard W. Drozda in 1986 and they shared many adventures together. They shared a love of the out of doors and lived in the White Mountains of Arizona for about 5 years before returning to the St. Louis area. They continued to live active lives lives camping, hiking, volunteering and enjoying friends and family.

Judy was always interested in learning something new. She was a voracious reader and probably had one of the most used library cards in St. Louis County. She loved the out of doors, particularly fishing and horseback riding. She could sit in a boat all day, regardless of the weather conditions, even at the age of 88. Judy was an avid bird watcher and did so every moment of every day. She passed her love of birds and fishing on to several of her children and grandchildren. She was an accomplished pianist and water color artist and enjoyed playing golf. She loved spending time with with family and friends whether it was a camping trip or just a visit and relished her annual visits to her home town in Wisconsin to spend time with her nephew and nieces and their families.

Judy had a deep rooted faith in Jesus and was always looking for ways to help those around her. She was active in her church, New City Fellowship in University City and loved everyone there. She was passionate about participating in the monthly workdays and loved the weekly services, but most of all she loved the people and her many friends there. Through New City Fellowship, Judy met the Stanley family and they became our family as well. Here are a few words from Keasha;

"Dear Judy,

You came into my life when I was at my lowest, but your smile and your courage gave me strength to get through the challenges that I faced and I did because of you. Your strength gave me the tools to face anything life gave me, until now Judy. Losing you has been the hardest thing ever. I don't know if I have the strength to keep going, but I'm going to try my love, because I know I still have you cheering me on with your words of wisdom and I will never forget all the things you taught me Judy. So mom, now you can rest and have your long talk with Jesus and I hope you get to fish as much as you like up there. Every time I see a beautiful bird I will think of you forever my heartbeat. I love you my sunshine, my friend, my mom, my world, I will always love you Judy.

Keasha, Donald, Dametrius and Shirley Stanley

We love you. God is love."

Judy will be deeply missed by family and friends, but we know she is free with Jesus and most likely fishing whenever she wants.

SERVICES: A Memorial Service is being planned for spring of 2021 at a time when it is safe for all to gather and celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, please, consider a donation to New City Fellowship, 1142 Hodiamont Ave, St. Louis, MO 63122, online at newcityucity.org/give or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LLS-Gateway, P.O. Box 772354, Detroit, MI 48277-2354, online at https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate.