Judith L. (Waterman) Stilwell

Judith Louise (Waterman) Stilwell died on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota surrounded by her husband and children after a brave battle with an aorta that attempted to kill her several times for 9 years.

Judy was born on November 14, 1947 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Frank and Lydia Waterman. She cherished her childhood in Ohio. After her graduation from Poland High School in 1965 she attended and graduated from Indiana University. Judy majored in English and was an active AOII sorority member. She worked several clerical jobs while completing her Master’s in Social Work from IUPUI. While working one of those jobs, Judy met the love of her life, Jerry, who took her on a first date to a bowling alley bar in 1972. Judy often stated she had never laughed so much in her life, and they were married 8 months later on March 10, 1973.

Other than her loving husband of 50 years, Jerry, Judy is survived by son Tom (Rene) Stilwell of Pleasanton, CA and daughter Kathryn (Iain) McGregor of Princeton, IN. She leaves behind three beautiful grandchildren, Liddy & Charlie McGregor and Violet Stilwell. She is also survived by siblings Linda (Lee) Robinson of Mobile, AL, Jeff (Paula) Waterman of Fairfield, CA; in laws Darvin (Bonnie) Stilwell, JoAnne (Glenn) Bayer, and Russ (Jo) Stilwell. She is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. Judy is survived by special friends Jackie Broome, Pat Rispone, and Sherry Moody. She also leaves behind a neurotic cat named Baby Cat who hates everyone except Judy, several MSNBC hosts she spent her days intently watching, her inordinate supply of yarn and other knitting materials, and the solitaire app on her phone.

She is predeceased by her parents; her father and mother-in-law Charles & Mildred Stilwell; and the countless cats and dogs she saved over her lifetime.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the nurses, PAs, doctors, and staff on Mary Brigh 5G at Mayo Clinic St. Marys. Several of these people have a permanent place in our hearts for their kindness and comfort given to Judy in her last month of life.

She asked to be and was cremated. There will be a celebration of her life Saturday, November 18 at 2:00pm at Colvin Funeral Home, Princeton, with visitation from 11:00 am until the celebration.

Following Judy’s wishes the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Poverello Foundation benefiting patients at the Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Marys Campus, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton is honored to serve the Stilwell family.

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