Obituary of Jennie Lynn Chudzik

Jennie Lynn Chudzik (Sawyer), 72, of Waukesha, WI passed away on July 6, 2014, at her home surrounded by her family. "Lynn" was born March 24, 1942, in Waukesha, WI, to Raymond and Jennie (Mascia) Sawyer. She attended Catholic Memorial High School, and then graduated from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee with a degree in Elementary Education. Lynn married her high school sweetheart, Jerome Chudzik, in 1964 in Waukesha. She worked as an elementary school teacher for the Waukesha School District, then as a preschool teacher and eventually Director for Gray Mare Preschool in Waukesha. Lynn concluded her teaching career as an instructor at Waukesha County Technical College, sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring young teachers. Lynn was committed to service and gave countless volunteer hours to church, school and service organizations. She was always willing to step forward when help was needed. Over the years, she served on St. Mary's School and Marriage Encounter board of directors, and most recently she proudly served as an active volunteer and member of the board of directors and for Hope Center in Waukesha and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Southeastern Wisconsin. Lynn loved the outdoors and enjoyed skiing and snowshoeing in the mountains of Colorado, long walks, especially endless walks on the beach, jazzercise, and Cancer Boot Camp. Lynn also gained spiritual support from the friendships she developed through her participation in Bible Study. Lynn's main focus and priority in her life, however, was to always be there for her family -- to be a loving wife, mother and "Nonna," and be a big part of her children's and grandchildren's lives. Lynn's spirit will be carried on by her family - her loving husband of nearly 50 years, Jerome; her five children - son Eric (Elizabeth) Chudzik; daughter Jennifer (Scott) Smith; daughter Bridget (James) Boyle; son Christopher (Melissa) Chudzik; and daughter Laura (Andrew) Geisler; her 11 grandchildren - Lia Chudzik; Morgan and Madison Smith; Brendan, Brady and Connor Boyle; Cody and Mason Chudzik; and Abigail, Maggie and George Geisler; her brother Nicholas (Charmaine) Sawyer; mother-in-law Celia Chudzik; her extended family of cousins, nephews and nieces; and her cherished friends from all parts of her life. Services to celebrate Lynn's life will be held Thursday, July 10, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave. in Waukesha. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. The Rev. Howard Haase will be officiating. Entombment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Waukesha, WI. Memorials in honor of Lynn may be given to The Hope Center, 502 N. East Avenue Waukesha, WI 53186 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) 3333 N. Mayfair Road #107 Wauwatosa, WI 53226.