Joan Barbara Judycki Butt

On Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at 6 a.m., Joan Barbara Judycki Butt passed away at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Nutley, N.J., on Oct. 3, 1930. She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Herbert "Hal" Butt; a son, David M. Butt and his wife, Cathy Zielinski Butt; stepgrandchildren, Megan and Jonathan Coney; brother, Frank J. Judycki and his wife, Vera, of Morgan City; nieces, Anne Chambers and her husband, Mark, Columbia, Mo., and Joan Barbara Judycki, New Orleans; first cousin, Robert Erler and his wife, Mary, Bronx, N.Y.; brother"“in-law, Thomas E. Butt, Wytheville, Va.; sister-in-law, Linda Butt, Wytheville; nieces, Dianne Tolley and her husband, Andrew, and Susan Futrelle and her husband, Dan; and nephews, Charles Butt and his wife, Ashley, and Thomas R. Hunter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Mary McArdle Judycki, who were of Nutley. She received her bachelor's degree from Roanoke College in Salem, Va. When she moved to Baton Rouge in 1961, she became a longtime member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A dedicated first-grade teacher at St. Thomas More Catholic School for 35 years, Joan took great pride and joy in knowing she had played an important role in the academic and spiritual foundation of so many young people over two generations. She delighted in having former students greet her and relate how positively she had affected their lives. Joan was a loving wife, mother, stepgrandmother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister and friend. Her deep faith, determination and acceptance helped her battle her lengthy illness. Always an avid reader and puzzle solver, she was active in several organizations including her book club, bridge club and Scripture study. She traveled extensively with many of her friends and also on St. Thomas More pilgrimages. The family wishes to extend its thanks to Dr. David Hanson, "G.G.," and the staff at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for their compassionate care for many years. Also, grateful thanks to the Hospice nurses of Life Source Services of Baton Rouge and the many caregivers, friends and parishioners of St. Thomas More Parish for their concern and aid. Special appreciation is extended to Marion Hill, Gloria Troxler, Theresa Cazayeaux and Karen Pickren for their many years of friendship and love and their tremendous help to Joan and her family in her final days. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Sunday, Nov. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation at St. Thomas More Church, 11441 Goodwood Blvd., on Monday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Ayo Emmanuel Efodigbue, M.S.P., celebrant. Pallbearers will be Roy Pickren, Stanley Walsh, Scott Shean, Gaynor Gremillion, Wilford Prados and John Bienvenu. Interment will be in her husband's family cemetery in Wytheville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Thomas More School, 11400 Sherbrook Ave., or Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, 4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.