Judith Mae Whitlow (Chaja), of Knox, Indiana, passed on Friday, February 17, 2023 at the age of 79, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Patrick Whitlow; her three children, Julanne Whitlow, Patrick Whitlow Jr. and his wife Nicole, and Jennifer Whitlow; and her siblings Walt and Patricia. She was a doting grandma to David, Josh and his wife Christina, Lynzi, Ryan and Alaina; great grandma to Baylee, Madison, Aiden, Baylee, and Maddox; and a favorite Aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister and best friend, Samela Nagle, her mother Mary Virgo and stepfather, Sam Virgo, who was the only father she ever knew.
Judie was born September 9, 1943 in Gary, Indiana to Mary and Stanley Chaja. She graduated from William A. Wirt High School in Gary, Indiana and received her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Degree from Purdue University extension.
Judie’s lifelong love affair with her husband Pat started when she was 13-years old and he was a 16-year old punk. He spotted her working at the radio station booth at the Lake County Fair. For him it was love at first sight, but Judie required a lot more convincing and Pat was a patient man. His patience paid off and they were married on November 23, 1963, just one day after JFK was shot. Their marriage was one that most couples aspire to experience. They were each other’s best friend, confidant, adventure partner and lover. Judie loved to read, go to the movies, play cards and bingo, spend time with her family and count her winning from the casino. Las Vegas and Maui were her favorite vacation spots, fueling her love of the ocean and its creatures, and playing the odds and winning.
Judie will be remembered as kind, funny and caring, an instant friend to everyone she met. She loved to take care of others, which is why it was so fitting that after her children were nearly grown, she pursued a career in nursing. Judie was a nurturing mother and told everyone who would listen how proud she was of her children and grandchildren. Her strong and positive influence on our family will be greatly missed.
A celebration of her life, and the immeasurable impact she had on others, is to be scheduled on a bright sunny day in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. She was passionate about the exceptional care they deliver to the children battling cancer and their families.
A memorial service will take place Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 1pm (CT), with visitation two hours prior to services at M.C. Smith Funeral Home.
