Judith (Judy) A. Boedeker (nee Duggan), of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 12, 2026 at the age of 78.
Beloved wife of William Boedeker; cherished daughter of the late Martha and Joseph Duggan; mother of Michael Boedeker (Jamey Milligan), Daniel Boedeker (Heather Wright), Gina Boedeker (Otavio Braga); grandmother of Ava Boedeker, Finn Boedeker, Ben Boedeker, Clark Boedeker, Elena Braga, Luiz Braga and Dean Boedeker; dear sister of Carol (the late Glen) Johnson; she is preceded in death by her siblings, sisters Joan Minogue and Susan (the late Gary) Hendricks, and her three brothers, Jack (the late Marilyn) Duggan, Thomas (the late Grace) Duggan, and Jim (Ginny) Duggan; beloved aunt to a host of nieces and nephews; loving cousin and friend.
Judy was born in St. Louis, Missouri and was proud to have lived in the same seven blocks her whole life. She was a 1966 graduate of Bishop DuBourg High School. Upon graduation, she became a licensed cosmetologist. She was a professional hairdresser for years, and kept her license active throughout her life. She held a variety of office jobs. At United Parcel Service she met the love of her life and husband of 53 years. She retired from McGraw Hill Publishing after more than 23 years. In retirement she never stopped being busy; she volunteered her time with various businesses and charitable organizations most notably Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis, St Vincent de Paul, and Feed My People.
“Simple Pleasures” was her life’s motto and it remains posted prominently in her home. She exemplified it. She found pleasure in cooking for family and put her heart into creating new recipes, which led to her pepperoni pasta being highlighted in the local StL Journal. She was implored to make her famous “Judy sandwiches” for family events and these became a staple at the yearly downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade; an event she attended without fail for 50 years. She was most flattered when people would ask for and share her recipes with others.
She found happiness in little moments, waking up early to drink coffee and read a book before starting her day. She had boundless energy and was a hard woman to keep up with. She loved going to the “Y” for weight training and aerobics, making new friends who became members of her extended family. She had a lifetime aversion to water but at the age of 76 signed up for swim lessons, overcame her fears and took it up as a hobby. Weekly dates with her “Haven Ladies” were not to be missed. She kept up with friends from all stages of life, even back to her grade school years at Our Lady of Sorrows.
Nothing brought her more joy and happiness than her family. She married the love of her life and had an enviable relationship for 56 years, celebrating her 52nd wedding anniversary in October. She and Bill traveled together around the world, but were most fond of their laid back trips to the beach to enjoy the ocean. They found joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life, meeting friends out for drinks, listening to live music, or having late lunches at local restaurants where they were beloved regulars. She raised three children and was proud to put them through Catholic school education. Although life led her children away from StL, she and Bill enjoyed frequent road trips to visit, but she was most excited to get everyone back to visit the house she and Bill called home for 50 years.
She was incredibly proud of her 7 grandkids. She loved sending greeting cards for every holiday, a tradition that will forever be a lifetime memory for them. She loved cooking and sharing her famous recipes. Cookies and desserts were always their favorites. She enjoyed playing cards and hosting family game nights. She was an avid crafter, enjoyed painting, sewing, and crocheting, a gift she shared with her mother and one she would happily share with anyone willing to learn. She made multiple blankets for her grandkids, their stuffies, and hats for babies in the hospital. Most importantly-she showed so much love to everyone around her.
A beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Judy will be forever missed by so many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Feed My People.
We invite you to celebrate Judy at Kutis Funeral Home Affton location on Friday May 15th from 4-8pm. Her funeral will be at Our Lady of Sorrows church where she was a parishioner all of her life. Services will be at 10 am on Saturday with burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.