Judy G. Maresca

Judy G. Maresca
December 9, 1951 – April 18, 2025

Judy G. Maresca, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, in Laguna Niguel, California, after a courageous and prolonged battle with brain cancer. She was 73.

Born on December 9, 1951, in Duluth, Minnesota, Judy graduated from Duluth Central High School and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in 1971. She began her lifelong journey in nursing with a deep sense of purpose and compassion.

In 1972, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after marrying Jerry Hanson. A year later, in 1973, Judy began working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Labor and Delivery—a place that would become her second home for decades. Judy went on to earn her Associate’s degree from MATC in 1974, her Bachelor’s degree from Carroll University in 1985, and her MBA from Cardinal Stritch University in 2003.

Judy’s dedication to St. Joe’s, nursing, and leadership was evident in her work—first as a Labor and Delivery nurse, then as Nurse Manager, and eventually as Director of Perinatal Services overseeing both St. Joseph’s and Elmbrook Memorial Hospitals. Her work family was large, and she deeply cherished the relationships she built with colleagues over the years.

But Judy’s greatest joy was her family. Her daughter Becky was the light of her life. They shared countless special moments: early mother-daughter trips to Wisconsin Dells and Great America, lying in bed together watching true crime shows, and magical vacations to Disney World—where Judy’s favorite activity was strolling through the different countries in EPCOT.

Moreover, for nearly 35 years, she was the devoted wife of Dr. Anthony Maresca. Judy and Tony loved to travel, take their boat out in Door County and Milwaukee, attend Brewers games, and in later years, enjoy their weekly dinners at Mitchell’s Fish Market.

Her love for her family was boundless, and becoming “Grandma Juju” to Remy and Heidi was one of the greatest blessings of her life. She always wanted to hug them and smiled whenever she saw them, even at the very end when her mind was fading.

Judy is further survived by her sister, Jane Stauber Wilson. Jane and Judy were extremely close—talking on the phone daily, exchanging TJ Maxx shopping requests, and laughing uncontrollably whenever they were together.

In 2013, Judy was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer. She faced every surgery, setback, and stroke with bravery, grace, and an indomitable spirit. After more than eleven years of perseverance and love, she went home to the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Gary Wilson, and her parents—who, in faith, we believe welcomed her into Heaven with open arms.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. A gathering will take place from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with light appetizers and beverages. A Christian service will begin at 11:45 AM, followed by a brief entombment ceremony at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin for those who wish to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Judy’s honor are appreciated to the National Brain Tumor Society.