Judith Auslander

January 24, 2016 Judith Ann Auslander (Judy) died peacefully at the age of 71 years with her loving husband and 3 daughters at her side. Judy was born to Joseph and Anna Frank in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She graduated from McKeesport High School and thereafter attended Duff's Business College. In February 1966, she met the love of her life and best friend, Edward Auslander (Ed) who took her on their first date to see what would become her favorite movie, "The Sound of Music." From that point on, they were inseparable, getting engaged two months later and then marrying on October 8, 1966. In 1971, Judy and Ed relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, a place they would call home, raise their children, and eventually retire. Judy was a born nurturer and consummate caregiver who placed her family's needs above her own. As a mother of three girls, she often volunteered for her children's school and community organizations. In her later years, she became the grandmother of four, a role that she would truly embrace and cherish. Judy found ways to make each and every one of her grandchildren feel unique and important by taking them to their favorite places, reading to them, listening to their funny stories, and sending them special gifts just because. In addition to her love for family, Judy was a devout Catholic who was devoted to her faith in God; she attended daily Mass, sang in the choir, and served as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Her favorite hobbies were embroidering, Italian cooking, and traveling to her favorite places, that included Callaway Gardens, Franklin, Tennessee, and her grandchildren's houses in Texas and Washington. Judy welcomed everyone into her home with her generous nature, Italian dishes, and infectious smile and laugh. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Edward Auslander, who she often referred to as her "rock of Gibraltar" through her various cancer treatments, her three daughters (Lisa Auslander, Beth Auslander, and Sara Gentry), her daughters' spouses (Scott Densmore, Michael Barber, Marvin Gentry) and her 4 grandchildren (Anna Densmore, Lizzie Densmore, Vincent Barber, and Zachary Gentry). She is preceded in death by her parents (Joseph Frank, Sr. and Anna Frank) and two brothers (Charles Frank and Joseph Frank, Jr.). Her funeral service is being held on Monday, February 1, 2016 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 2061 Patton Chapel Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35216. Visitation with the family will begin at 9 am followed by Catholic Mass at 10 am and then the Procession to the Columbarium Garden. A reception will be held in the Holy Family Room of the church after the service. Given her love for children and her strong belief that every child diagnosed with cancer should have access to treatment, Judy requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org.