Judith Kathleen Aprill

Judith Kathleen Aprill (née Szabo), age 79, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, after a year-long journey with cancer. A devoted woman of faith, her passing on Sunday-the Lord's Day-felt especially fitting to those who knew how central her faith was to her life.
Judy was born on November 10, 1946, in Zanesville, Ohio, to Bert and Jayne Szabo, and grew up in Hudson, Ohio, alongside her siblings John, Suzi, and Mark. A gifted scholar, she achieved prestigious academic honors at Michigan State University, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Latin Education, additionally earning Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honors.
It was at Michigan State University that she met her future husband of 56 years, Floyd. The two began their life together in married student housing while Floyd completed his master's degrees. Together, they built a life rooted in education, hard work, responsibility, and service to others-values they passed on to their four children.
Judy began her professional life as a high school Latin teacher in the Cleveland Public Schools before dedicating herself fully to raising her family. She spent most of her life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she lovingly raised her four children. Later, she returned to the workforce, working for Milwaukee County at the Mitchell Park Domes and serving as a substitute teacher, primarily in the Greenfield School District.
Judy remained sharp-minded until the end, something she took pride in, keeping her mind active with daily crossword puzzles and by handwriting letters to friends and family-an enduring part of her routine.
Judy's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and the steady force behind everything she did. A longtime and devoted member of St. Matthias Catholic Church in Milwaukee, she believed deeply in the power of prayer. She volunteered for many years as a religious education teacher, confirmation sponsor, and RCIA sponsor. Her faith was lived humbly, sincerely, and with purpose.
She was known for her kindness and selflessness, always placing the needs of others before her own. Judy possessed remarkable strength, never drawing attention to the personal battles she faced, including her final year with cancer, choosing instead to remain a source of comfort and encouragement to those around her.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd Aprill; her children: Howard Aprill (Paula Zamiatowski), Michael Aprill (Pat Jawort), Susie Oleson, and David Aprill (Heather Aprill); and her beloved grandchildren: Javier, Catalina, Austin, Matthew, Blake, Izzy, Gavin, Lukas, and Nico.
Judy's legacy lives on through her family, those she guided in faith, and all who were touched by her quiet generosity, wisdom, and unwavering devotion.
Visitation Saturday January 10 at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 9306 W. Beloit Road, Milwaukee from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. If desired a memorial may be given in memory of Judith to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In honor of Judy, guests are invited to wear something purple, her favorite color-a symbol of her faith, kindness, and quiet strength.