Judith A. Way

Judith A. Way (nee Hofmann)

November 8, 1945 – March 18, 2021

Judith Amelia Way age 75 of St. Peters, Missouri passed away at home on March 18, 2021 after a two-year cancer battle.  Judy is survived by her sister, Joan Giofre (Dominic), her son Keith Way, her daughter, Kimberly Sykora, Grandsons Thomas Way and Brendan Way, Great Grandchildren Charlotte Way and Murphy Way.  Judy’s husband of 41 years, Bill Way, preceded her in death, as did her brother, George (“Bud”) Hofmann, and Grandson Stephen Way.

Described as a daring and fearless child growing up in St. James, Missouri, Judy sought adventure in the great outdoors. She once crashed her beloved bicycle badly skinning her entire face and still insisted her sister Joan stay the course to the river to swim. Even being kicked through a barbed wire fence by her horse didn’t deter her from enjoying numerous childhood escapades.

Although Judy’s last love interest was Joe Kenda; Homicide Detective, Bill Way held the title of love of her life. Judy and Bill fell in love while attending Normandy High School. The sweethearts married on February 19, 1966, raised two children, and spent 41 happy years together.

As a mother, Judy instilled her love of outdoors into her children Keith and Kim. The family spent summers camping and swimming at numerous places including at their property at Melody Lake in Leslie, Missouri along with numerous trips to Branson, Missouri, just to name a few.

In 1981, Judy received her Certified Professional Secretary certification. She enjoyed a 28-year career at Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Missouri holding various positions, her favorite being an executive assistant in the IT department.

Despite not being an avid cook, Judy was renowned as a hostess. Whether a holiday celebration or a backyard barbeque she loved gathering her family together to celebrate. To say her cookouts were legendary would not be wrong and a bit of an understatement.

In the 1990s Judy, like millions of Americans, fell victim to rancorous Beanie Baby craze leading her, at times, to send her daughter into perilous situations to secure esteemed bears. Judy’s other hobbies including, reading Stephen King novels, QVC, Bingo and Texas Holdom. She also cherished dogs and constantly surrounded herself with wonderful canine companions.

In addition, she also enjoyed bird watching; expressly, particularly, and exclusively Red Birds. Judy was a HUGE Cardinal baseball fan. As a season ticket holder, she spent many summer days (many fall days too) watching her treasured team play the greatest sport ever invented. As she got older she preferred to watch games from home never missing a game. Go Cards!

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis to honor Judy’s devotion to her four-legged friends.

Burial will be private, Memorial Park Cemetery.