Judith Ann Cucak Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Judith Ann Cucak (Judy), 80, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut in January 1941; she passed away in the early hours of January 4, 2022 at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.Judy attended Lauralton Hall High School in Milford, Connecticut and went on to become a licensed X-Ray Technician after graduating. She worked as an X-Ray Technician for Bridgeport Hospital until she had her ﬁrst daughter, then devoted herself full-;me to raising her children for the next decade.In Judy’s own words, the happiest years of her life began in 1960 when she married the love of her life, George Edward Cucak. She often told the story of seeing George walk through the door of his house (where she was visiting his sister Peggy) and promptly thinking “that is mine!” She went home that day and broke up with the person she was dating to ensure she would be available if George asked her on a date. Fortunately, he did, and nine months later they were married.George and Judy enjoyed 61 years of marriage; both of them would proudly say that each and every year was a happy one. Their love story was one to be envied. A rare, abiding love that made everyone in their presence admired - especially their two daughters.Judy and George had their ﬁrst daughter, Laura Jean, in 1961. The best decision Laura ever made was to move to Ohi o eleven years ago go be close to her immediate family. Their second daughter, Beth Ann, arrived in 1964. The best decision Beth and her husband Steve ever made was to build a house with an in-law suite for George and Judy so they got to spend the last years of Judy's life close together. This family of four shared deep love and endless wonderful memories that include holidays with the Cucak/Wicko clan, camping and playing games, loving family pets, singing to George’s guitar-playing, and enjoying ;me with friends. George and Judy especially loved when Laura and Beth’s friends would visit and ﬁll the house with laughter.Judy became a Nana in 1989 when her ﬁrst grandchild was born. It would be impossible to overstate how much she loved her four grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Emilee Mona Gustafson (Cole) is the ﬁrst-born grandchild who made her so proud her entire life, and with whom she loved to talk to about everything under the sun. Kenneth George Cole is Judy’s only grandson. She admired his work ethic and drive. They shared a great sense of humor and a desire to do good in this world and care for our planet. Shannon Rae Barnett is her bonus granddaughter, who Judy felt so lucky to have join our family 25 years ago, and with whom she shared a passion for social justice and warm hugs. Chloe Elizabeth Barnett is the youngest grandchild whom Judy christened Tinkerbell. Nana was wowed by Chloe’s talents, and together they loved to be fun, free-spirited, and enjoy all things “Oreo.”Judy became a Great-Nana in May 2020 when her great-grandson Cooper Matthew Gustafson was born. She felt fortunate to spend so much to me with him prior to her passing and often commented on how lucky she was to have four generations of family to love. She loved Cooper so much and someday he will know just how much joy he brought to her life in the year and a half they were together.Family is the essence of George and Judy. In addition to her unparalleled love of family, Judy had a brilliant mind. She was wise, kind, funny, an avid animal lover, and sassy! She was a human rights champion her entire life and believed deeply in real equality for ALL!! She knew that our country fell very short of this belief and constantly strived to promote human rights. In 2020 she started ordering and wearing a Black Lives Matter pin. Whenever anyone would tell her that they liked her pin she would take it oﬀ, give it to them, and replace it from her stock. She was never without that pin so anyone who encountered her would understand her heart and her beliefs.Judy retired from SARAH in Guilford, Connecticut in 1998 after ten years of service as their Human Resources Manager. She loved working for SARAH because she cared so deeply about the importance of the work they di d - helping the mentally and physically challenged live as independently as possible in group homes and with employment.Judy is survived by her beloved husband George Cucak, daughters Laura Jean Cucak and Beth Barnett, son-in-law and buddy Steve Barnett, grandchildren Emilee Mona Gustafson (Jesse Gustafson), Kenneth George Cole, Shannon Rae Barnett, and Chloe Elizabeth Barnett, great-grandson Cooper Matthew Gusafson, sister-in-law Ann Cucak, niece Mary Ellen Evanich (Mark Evanich), nephews John Wicko (Liz Wicko), Daniel Evanich, and Ethan Wicko, and by her cat,Swee;e Pie. She was preceded in death by her father Ralph Garthwait, with whom she loved to talk and celebrate life, as well as her father-in-law George Cucak, sisters-in-law Jean Wicko and Peggy Cucak, and nephew Jimmy Wicko. There are no services planned at this time. Her family asks that in lieu of ﬂowers, please consider a donation to The SARAH Foundation (hJp://sarahfoundation.org/donate/) or to the Salvation Army in her memory.

Judith Ann Cucak

January 11, 1941 - January 4, 2022