Judith "Judy" J. Smolen

Her intelligence.

Her unforgettable voice.

Her laugh.

Her sense of humor. 

These are just some of the things we will cherish about Judith “Judy” J. Smolen, who passed away 2/1/26 after a battle with chronic illness. 

Born at St. Luke’s, Judy grew up in Oak Creek, Muskego, Caledonia and Greendale, WI. Many of her favorite childhood memories were playing with her brother, friends and cousins in their neighborhood on Rawson Ave. and sharing classic albums with her little sister. Her love of books and literature also began at that early age; she was so well-read.

After attending The Prairie School and graduating from Oak Creek High School, she went on to Marquette University, earning a B.A. in Journalism and soaking up life in the city she loved. 

Judy was a founder and owner of Homeowner’s Concept in Milwaukee, a flat-fee real estate company that revolutionized the local real estate market. The care and love she put into every home shone through; many clients became good friends.

Since retiring, Judy turned her attention to caring for our Mom as she battled dementia, having adventures with family and friends, and returning to her first love: singing. She had a voice unlike any other ~ rock, pop, classics, and choral music were all well within her range. “Judy Judy” simply loved singing karaoke and being with the friends she met there, and hanging out with friends from her Meet Up groups. In recent years, she and a friend performed together as “Wild Hearts”, a dance band featured at local events and venues around Milwaukee. 

Judy’s love for life and sense of humor (yes, even the numerous bad puns) will be so very missed by those who survive her: siblings John Smolen, II (Sieglinde Rogge), and Jean Des Biens (Mark), nephews and great nieces/nephew John Smolen, III (Kim, John “Jack” IV, Josephine, Ruby), William Smolen (Anthony Leboissetier), Matthew Des Biens, Nicholas Des Biens, and many cousins and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents John Smolen and Genevieve Smolen, many aunts and uncles, and her beloved pets, Indie and Belle.

Visitation at the Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel on Saturday, February 21 from 11 AM until the Sharing of Eulogies at 1:30 PM. Funeral Service at 2 PM. Private interment at Chapel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials in Judy’s name to the charity of your choice; as Judy would say, “Do what’s comfy!”

(Jude: we wish you a hearty, “See you later, alligator!” <3)