Born in St. Louis on November 2, 1937, Judy passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home in Santa Barbara, California. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvia Dalton Heil and Charles William Heil Jr.; her husband, William Thomas “Bill” Crowell; her son, William Thomas “Billy” Crowell Jr.; and her second husband, Frederick Kipp “Fred” Schwarz.
Judy is survived by her daughters, Kim Busch (Andy) and Lisa Condie (Laurence Jr.); grandchildren Lacey Petersen (Charlie), Andrew “Andy” Busch Jr. (McKenna), Will Busch (Christina) and Nick Busch (Alea); step-grandchildren Pearce Bremerkamp, Amelia Garcia, Laurence Condie III, Robert Condie, Madalene Condie and Caroline Condie; great-grandchildren Jack, Lilly and Dane Petersen; step-great-grandson John Laurence Garcia; siblings Charles “Fritz” (Teresa) Heil Jr., Christopher “Kit” (Kathy) Heil and Linda Heil; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her extended Schwarz family.
A 1955 graduate of Villa Duchesne who later attended Vassar College, Judy lived her life with an extraordinary combination of strength, grace, and beauty. A lifelong learner and self-starter, she was grounded and wise, patient and funny, deeply faithful, and fiercely devoted to the people she loved.
Family was at the center of Judy’s life. She led Brownie troops, planned parties, created traditions, and made holidays special. Christmas was a particular favorite, and her famous prime rib hash became a family tradition. As Kim and Lisa grew older, Judy became not only their mother but one of their closest friends—their biggest cheerleader, therapist, and sounding board. They affectionately called her the “ringmaster of our circus,” a role she filled with wisdom, patience, and humor.
To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Judy was Gammie, or Gamster, a role she cherished above all. She adored them and was deeply present in their lives. In the last year of her life, she not only celebrated four weddings—her daughter’s and three of her grandsons’—but also learned that three new great-grandchildren were on the way. These milestones brought her profound joy in her final months.
After Billy’s death at age 25, Judy transformed deep loss into service. Along with family and friends, she founded Kids Under Twenty One (KUTO), dedicated to youth suicide prevention. She received the St. Louis Woman of Achievement Award in 1989, and her work was later honored in the United States Congressional Record. Judy was so proud that the life-saving organization she created would celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027.
An entrepreneur and writer, Judy founded Berrybridge in the family’s basement in 1979 with hand-painted birdhouses. Somehow, with Judy’s creative vision, Berrybridge grew into a beloved Ladue boutique known for fabulous ball gowns and for dressing generations of graduates, debutantes, and brides. Judy later became a travel writer for Ladue News, St. Louis Seasons Magazine, and Santa Barbara’s Noozhawk. Her memoir, Widow: A Four-Letter Word, explored grief, resilience, and new beginnings after Bill’s death.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Judy treasured her relationships with the priests and abbots of the Saint Louis Abbey and Priory community. She loved her family, dogs, daily walks, travel, lifelong friendships, and learning. As a member of Santa Barbara’s Little Town Club, she gave sold-out presentations on subjects ranging from Frank Sinatra to St. Louis history—affectionately known to her daughters as “Mom’s recitals.”
The qualities her family most admired were her strength, wisdom, patience, faith, and grace. To them, she was the person at the center—the one who listened, encouraged, celebrated, and loved without fail. She leaves some very big—and impeccably stylish—shoes to fill.
“Love you ’til the stars stop sparkling.”
Judy’s family is deeply grateful to Monica, Lesya, Alma, and Gabby for the extraordinary care, kindness and companionship they gave her, and for the love with which they surrounded her.
Services: Burial and memorial services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy’s memory to Kids Under Twenty One (KUTO) https://kuto.org/support-kuto/.