Judy Heumann

Judy Heumann, 80, of South Bend, Indiana passed away suddenly of natural causes on February 24, 2025. She was born in Israel on April 21, 1944, to Ruth (Omi) Heumann (Presser), and the late Werner Heumann.

Judy was a loving and supportive mother to her daughters Karen and Deborah, and son David (Linda). She was an amazing grandmother, thoroughly enjoying her role as "Grammy" to her 4 beautiful grandchildren Sophia & Ella Decker and Keya & Knox Holtzberg. They brought her so much joy, and she loved them dearly, always sharing stories about their school accomplishments and sports activities. Judy is also survived by her sister Miriam (Ira) Kaufman and niece Laura (Daryl) Strayer. Staying connected and involved with her family was at the heart of everything she did and they always felt the deep love and support she provided.

Arriving on a ship from Israel in 1948 with her parents and sister they embarked on their new home in Chicago joining her paternal grandmother, aunt and two uncles. They lived in the city until they bought a home in Evanston. Judy graduated from Evanston Township High School, and went on to business school where she met a friend who decided that they needed to try something new. So they joined a ski club and together went on many adventures skiing in Iron Mountain, Michigan, Vail, Loveland & Winter Park in Colorado and on to the Alps in Switzerland. 

When Judy finished business school she went on to work for the Director of Nursing at Wesley Memorial Hospital, now known as Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. She went on a blind date and later married Sherwin J. Holtzberg who preceded her in death (January 7, 2024). They started their married life in South Bend, Indiana where they raised their three children. Together they worked side by side in their Clothes Closet retail business. Judy and her late ex-husband Sherwin remained friends and she was especially grateful for the special bond he had with her mother, Ruth. Judy remained in sales working for Century Center, L.S. Ayres and Macy’s until retiring. In addition, she took an active role in her condominium community by serving as Board Vice President and planning seasonal and holiday events with her dear friends for residents and their families. Judy was also very close with her mother and blessed to care for her for many years.

She had a great sense of humor and a quick wit that brought laughter to nearly all her conversations with family and friends. During her life, in addition to her love of the outdoors in both winter and summer, she was artistic and crafty, enjoying painting, sewing, cooking, baking, gardening, reading and lounging poolside. Judy’s legacy of love, joy, and enthusiasm will continue to inspire her children, grandchildren, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Honoring Judy’s wishes a private service was held in her honor. On February 28, 2025.

All of her family and friends are invited to join her 3 devoted children for a Celebration of Life at the Jewish Federation of St Joseph Valley, 3202 Shalom Way, South Bend, IN 46615, on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM EST. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley.