Judith Anne Abel

Judith A. (Grearson) Abel, 79, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022.  She was born on June 4, 1943, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton WI, the daughter of Filmore and Beulah (Slattery) Grearson. 

She graduated from Appleton High School (now Appleton West HS) in 1961.  After graduation Judy worked at Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) until her marriage to Ronald R Abel in 1964.  They lived in Georgia and Arizona, then moved to California where their daughter Stacey Suzanne was born.  A few years later the family moved back to Wisconsin and Judy put most of her energy into being a mother and homemaker.  In 1976 her divorce necessitated restarting her career with AAL and she worked hard to become a Senior Life Underwriter.  In 2002 she retired when AAL merged with Lutheran Brotherhood to become Thrivent.

Judy was an excellent cook and enjoyed learning new techniques and recipes from watching cooking shows, her favorite being Julia Child.  On Sundays, her family would look forward to the artistically presented gourmet meals she would treat them to.  One of her greatest legacies is the cooking knowledge that she passed along to her daughter and grandsons-and she taught them whether or not they wanted to learn!

Judy was very creative and was always willing to help make a poster, decorate a cake, paint a piece of furniture or find accessories for a costume.  She was an avid Packer fan and went to many home games.  She liked to play the piano, read Danielle Steel novels and travel.  Her family will always treasure the time spent at the family cottage on Waubee Lake.

Judy and her sister Kathy were very close.  In fact, from 1988 until recently, they lived together in the red brick house that their father had helped to build.  She loved her two grandchildren dearly and her tight knit family held a special place in her heart.

Judy is survived by her daughter: Stacey (Don) Nicholson; two grandsons: Trey and Chase Nicholson; a sister: Kathy Grearson; cousins and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother: James Kenneth Grearson.

Memorial service will be held at Noon on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church, 912 N. Oneida St., Appleton.  Visitation will be on Friday at the church from 10 am until the time of the service.  Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Judy’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the numerous healthcare workers who have assisted in her care over the last two years.  She was always very appreciative of you all.