Judith Marie Sitzes passed on August 2, 2021, just short of her 79th birthday.
Judith is survived by her loving family: Daughter Suzanne Sitzes Mersch (Joe Maloney), Son Stephan Sitzes (Shellie Sitzes), Grandchildren: Ryan Mersch (Claire Reardon), Alyssa Sitzes Snyder (Damien Snyder), Melissa Mersch (Nick Gilling), Breanna Sitzes and her sister: Jane Hajovsky Kurcsinka (Ivan Kurcsinka).
Judith was born in Long Island, NY in 1942. Hours after her wedding night at the age of 19, they drove to St. Louis where she & Jack raised their 2 children. Once her son Steve graduated high school, they moved to Orlando and lived on Lake Pearl for 20 years, hosting hundreds of visitors. Judith and Jack then moved to an adult community in Ruskin Florida and enjoyed the intercoastal waterways of the Gulf where Judith founded and was Queen of the Riverside Rascals Red Hat Club. After Jack’s passing in 2007, Judith moved to Independent living in West Palm Beach, Florida and finally came back to St. Louis in 2014. Her final home was at Crestview Senior Living in St. Louis where she shared her smile each day while scootering through the halls enjoying dominos, concerts and cards.
Judith was passionate about social gatherings (loved hosting themed parties), cruising (over 35 cruises all over the world), and any activity which included boating and waterskiing. Most of all, she was passionate about her family – prioritizing her children and grandchildren above everything.
Judith’s battle with Inclusion Body Myositis (rare form of Muscular Dystrophy) began 24 years ago at the age of 54. She was committed to beat every doctor’s prediction re: the 5-7 year expectancy by participating in trial research programs and experimental treatments. In fact, her defiance of health odds includes battles won against Lymphoma Cancer, Blood Clots, Diabetes Pneumonia and multiple infections – all in the past 6 years.
Donations can be sent to the Muscular Dystrophy Association: https://mda.donordrive.com/campaign/Judith-Sitzes, or Flowers to Kutis Funeral Home: 10151 Gravois, St. Louis MO for August 16th Visitation.
Memorial visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois on Monday, August 16, 2:00 PM until time of service at 6:00 PM.