Judith Simko

Simko, Judith Kathryn (Gorsky) passed away in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on June 13, 2022 at the age of 85, after losing her 3 year battle with cancer. She was born to Alfred and Florence Gorsky on November 5, 1936 in Minneapolis. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ed; daughters, Cindy (Mark Russell), Lori (Rick Stevens) and Linda (Jamey Leirdahl); grandchildren Jared (Margot) and Kyle Russell, Alex (Danielle), Aaron and Allison (Kyle Roloff) Stevens and Matt (Emma), Zack and Abbey Leirdahl; great grandson, Homer Stevens; and by her brother, Ken Gorsky (Martha).

Judy grew up in south Minneapolis, attended Washburn HS and then Carthage College, where she met her future husband. They were married in Sept, 1958 and lived first in Fridley where their daughters grew up, then in New Brighton, and currently in Roseville. They were members of St Philip's Lutheran Church in Fridley for 60 years and Judy worked as a nursery school teacher at the church for 25 years, a job she loved. She was also active in numerous activities of the church. She had started making friends when she was 3 years old and continued for the rest of her life. Her contagious laugh seemed to put people at ease. She liked to sew, knit or needlepoint small gifts that she could surprise them with when visiting, Judy loved to sing. She had been in choirs throughout her school and church years, and also sang with a group called The Fireside Singers in the 70's and 80's. She inherited her love of dahlias from her father and usually had 15 to 20 plants to tend in her back yard each year. She belonged to two bridge clubs but the games she really enjoyed were the board or card games she played with her daughters and granddaughters, even though she seldom won. She was an avid sports fan. The Twins and all the Gopher teams were her favorites. As a participant, fishing was always her first choice. All she needed was a rod, a hook, and a worm. Above all else, she loved her family. She treated each member as a unique individual who she cared about. She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held on Tues, June 21 at St Philips Lutheran Church, 6180 Highway 65 NE, Fridley. Visitation at 10AM and service at 11AM. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials preferred to St Philips Church.