Judy was born to Ursula Henderson and Arthur Petersen on May 8, 1961 in Nuremberg, Germany. When Judy was three months old, the family made the move to the United States and eventually settled in Killeen, Texas. Judy graduated with honors from Ellison High school in Killeen and received a scholarship. A few years after graduating high school she met her husband of 39 years, Bobby Santamaria. November 20th would have been their 40th anniversary. Together, they had one daughter, Victoria Julianna Santamaria, who was the joy of her life and a true friend. Victoria would grow up to marry Rudy DonJuan. Judy was the very proud “MiMi” to her four grandsons Anthony, Tommy, Adam, and Dominic. They were the light of her life, she would play with them all and spoiled them with love! There was not a day that past she did not brag about her boys. Their fondest memories of their Mimi include swimming at her pool, hearing her cheer at their many games, and all the family dinners where family fun and cooking were the focal point.
Judy and her husband Bobby owned a successful martial arts karate school in Austin, Texas for many years. They touched and changed many students as well as their families lives over a span of 15 years. They were highly involved with all the organizations they were part of. They held an annual karate tournament called the Texas Cup Karate Classic which competitors from all over competed. It was always successful and Judy was a primary reason due to her excellent organization skills.
Judy was a fire ball with sass and wit and you always knew where you stood with her. Her heart for others was large and she never turned away anyone who needed help. She always had an open door and a meal for anyone. Her happiest moments were hanging out with her boys, feeding everyone, and spending time with her family. She also loved spoiling her doggy Cash Money Santamaria.
Judy is survived by her mother Ursula Henderson, brother Arthur Petersen, brother Bobby Petersen, sister Michelle Allen, brother Trent Hunt, and sister Dee Dee Engart. She also has four sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Judy’s life on Monday September 28, 2020 at 10:00a.m., at the Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home, located at 9700 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX, 78750.
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