Judith “Judy” Zenobia

Judith “Judy” Zenobia, 78, of Dousman, WI passed on to eternal life on November 29, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. She was with her family at the time of her passing.

Judy was born on June 19, 1944, to Ladislaus and Francis Kostielney in Bronson, MI. A self-proclaimed tomboy, Judy spent a joyful childhood climbing her father’s fruit trees, chasing squirrels, and enjoying nature. She carried the love of all things that grow throughout her life, especially beautiful flowers and eventually her children and grandchildren.  She graduated from Bronson High in 1962. In 1963, she met her lifelong sweetheart, Frank Zenobia Jr., on a double date (both were “going with” someone else at the time). Their romance blossomed, and in 1965 they wed, going on to have six children. On September 11, 2022, Judy and Frank celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Judy dedicated her life, energy, and passion to being a wonderful and excellent mother. Her faith in Christ and prayer was a source of strength to multiple generations of her family, her friends, and all who knew her. She possessed a gift of hospitality that kept family close, drew friends into family, and captivated acquaintances into friendship. Her home, whether adorned with rooster paraphernalia, lilacs, or red peonies served for decades as a place of refuge for those in need of prayer and encouragement. Judy received people without reservation and usually had their favorite meal cooking when they arrived.

Second only to her faith, she valued and cherished family and friendship. She talked about her children as if they were heroes, and her grandchildren as if all were prodigies. She was her children’s fiercest supporter and most ardent defender; loyal to a fault. She met their mistakes with understanding or forgiveness. She never stopped growing.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Aloysius, and her sister, Janet. She is survived by her children, Frank and Karen Zenobia of Whitehall, MI (Evan, Blake, Colin), Laddie Zenobia of Waukesha, WI and Lawanna Westphal (John, Marty and Norann, Lexis, Laddie Jr.), William and Martina Zenobia of Hartland, WI (Jazmine, Jaron, Jonah, Jillian), Anthony and Tracy Zenobia of Waukesha, WI (Anthony Jr., Avonlea, Benjamin), Christy and Brandon Espenscheid of Altamonte Springs, FL (Liam) and Samuel and Kristen Zenobia of Barcelona, Spain (Benaiah and Alexander) and her great grandchildren (Eliana, Izaiah, Esabelle, Brayana, Joziah, Uriah, and Nehemiah).

Visitation is on Friday, December 16 from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 6:00 PM at Abundant Life Apostolic Church in Oconomowoc, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to her husband, Frank Zenobia