Judith Ann Garbowski

judith garbowski

December 30, 1962 ~ November 21, 2020

Born in: Parlin, NJ
Resided in: Lawrenceville, GA

Judith Ann Dodge Garbowski, loving wife and mother passed away on November 21, 2020, at the age of 57. Judy was born in Parlin, New Jersey and spent the second half of her life in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Judy was preceded in death by her father, Tom Dodge, and her nephew, Ryan Rush. Surviving is her loving husband, Rick Garbowski, her son Jesse Garbowski (wife Emily), her mother, Janet Dodge, siblings Susan Lasko (husband Greg) Becky Dodge, Father Terry Dodge, Paster Dan Dodge (wife Jenny, sons Jake and Levi), Mary Beth Coffey (husband John, son Matthew), Tracey Caliendo (husband Nick, daughter Isabella).

Judy graduated from Sayreville War Memorial High School in Parlin, NJ, in 1981 and William Paterson College in Paterson, NJ in 1985 with a degree in nursing. Following graduation she took a position with Fair Oaks Hospital in Summit, NJ and worked there for five years before spending the final 30 years of her career in psychiatric nursing at Peachford Hospital in Dunwoody, GA.

“Momma Jude” is remembered as the sweetest, strongest, and most faithful friend and mentor with an unwavering faith in God that guided her every word and action.

She was a four-time cancer survivor but her fifth battle proved to be insurmountable. Throughout all her cancer struggles she also suffered from various autoimmune diseases which made her daily life even more of a challenge. Even though her body failed her, her faith never did. She touched thousands through countless acts of service. She embodied Christ’s values unconditionally and without question has made this world a better place for generations to come.

Well done my good and faithful servant.
Matthew 25:21

Schedule of Services

Friday, November 27: Memorial Service and Visitation
Wages & Sons Funeral Home
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-4550
https://www.wagesandsons.com/obits/

5:00PM – 5:30PM – Recite the Rosary (streaming)
5:30PM – 6:00PM – Catholic Vigil and Guest Tributes (streaming)
6:00PM – 8:00PM – Visitation

Saturday, November 28: Funeral and Interment
Saint Lawrence Catholic Church
319 Grayson Hwy
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-963-8992
http://www.saintlaw.org/
10:00AM – 12:00PM – Funeral (streaming) and Columbarium Interment

Services

Rosary: November 27, 2020 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

770-277-4550

Visitation: November 27, 2020 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

770-277-4550

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Such a sweet and beautiful soul. You will be missed by all that knew you. Rest In Peace with no further pain. Our thoughts and prayers for Rick and Jesse and the entire family.

  2. CandleImageI remember in the Fall of 1975 in Parlin NJ; March of Dimes
    “ Order of the Battered Boot “ Judy walked with us 26 miles to raise money sponsored miles with us and was a joy even then walking all those hours and moving along making light and laughter of the weary miles and exhaustion ahead of us. She was a real trooper then and became a super trooper for Heaven now. So very sorry for the loss of such a young and beautiful woman. This is what Saints are made of….well as they sing ???? oh when the Saints come marching in ????
    The Order of the Battered Boot are reserved for only the best soldiers and Judy was one of them….my condolences along with my family
    ♥️ God Bless Judy♥️God Bless the Garbowski and Dodge families♥️

  3. My Sincerest heartfelt Sympathies and condolences to Rick, the Garbowski family and Dodge family:
    Judy was indeed one of the most precious sweet souls I have ever met. She was selfless, giving all she possessed to those she met and friended. Angels are real and believe Judy was One that visited with us all for a period and now will continue to help us from an infinite view. I feel very fortunate to have known Judy during her time with us all here. I have to believe that we will meet again. May perpetual peace and light comfort Rick and family.
    Warmest regards, Ray Kreiger

  4. CandleImageI have no words to describe how I feel at your loss. You were the most amazing woman I have ever met in soooo many ways. You showed and experienced with me many firsts from when I arrived here. I loved our road trips “Thelma and Louise” style. You even provided a 2nd family for me and to this day I cherish that selflessness. Love your mama and sisters like my own. We truly are soul sisters from another mother! Im sure a piece of you remains in everyones heart that you touched for you never met a stranger. I know you are an angel and will help guide me through this chapter of craziness I am facing! I will forever love you sister and until we meet again for that next Thelma and Louise roadtrip, I will say au revoir not goodbye XX

  5. Judy was an incredible person, a compassionate nurse and always a great friend. I will miss her everyday. Many prayers for comfort and peace.

  6. I found this quote from Judy’s senior year yearbook from Sayreville War Memorial High School. Judy Dodge, class treasurer, enjoys “ taking care of people and cheering them up. I’d like to be a nurse so I can help them
    feel better.” This pretty much sums Judy up.

    I attended William Paterson University with Judy and although we had different groups of friends, she would always offer me a ride home to our home town of Sayreville when she was heading home for the weekend at times.

    She was a kind soul and she will be missed by many. My condolences and prayers for comfort to Rick and Jesse. One day at a time.

  7. CandleImageRest In Peace Judy. You brightened up the room just by being in it. As you did everyone’s lives. Heaven is now brighter as you join all our angels. God bless you my friend. Though our hearts are sad, you are relieved of your pain. Until we meet again ????

  8. Truly a wonderful person!!

    The world needs more people like Judy.

    My sincere condolences to Ricky and family.

    George and Monica Lazo

  9. CandleImageA true warrior, is an understatement.
    I am so proud and blessed to call her my friend; my Sister in Christ.
    The memories we had I will cherish forever.
    We loved her so much, but God loved her more.

    Rest now Judy.
    We have a beautiful angel watching over us forever. Now what can be better than that.
    Sending my love and prayers to the entire family.

  10. CandleImageHey Jude,
    I am so sad you left us, but I know that God knows best. You were indeed an angel personified as a nurse. I have never known anyone as sweet and kind as you were. I cherish every moment spent working with you at Peachford hospital. You will remain in my memory.
    Rest In Peace. May God comfort your family.
    Tommie M.Richardson MD

  11. Judy, you were such an inviting and loving person. You made everyone feel welcome and you were always impartial. Your heart was full of love. I know you made it to your heavenly home. Rest sweetly in your makers bosom until we meet again.

  12. Judy was one of the most influential people in my life. She had a heart of gold! She taught me so much at Peachford, and I will never forget her amazing stories. She genuinely asked and remembered details about each of our lives. She has helped so many people in her life.

  13. CandleImageLike the Tina Turner song, Judy was “simply the best.” Rest in peace, sweet butterfly…rest in peace.

  14. Judy was my mentor not only at Peachford but encouraged and helped me rise in every step of my life. She was so loving, compassionate and selfless, always striving for the good of everyone. I will always cherish her guidance and profound influence and I’m so thankful for that. I’ll miss her dearly. My deepest condolences to Rick, Jesse and family.

  15. CandleImageMy condolences to Rick, Jesse and her Peachford family. She was my educator at Peachford, she always called me”Vaness.” She could make the most mundane topics interesting, and fun. She will be missed, but God has a new beautiful Angel.
    Rest well Judy.

  16. Dear Rick,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, Judy. May her memory be a blessing to you and all who knew her. I remember talking to her when she came by GMS (2010) to see you and remember her sweet, kind spirit.


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