Judith Ann Spooner

Judith Ann (Gencarella) Spooner, 79, of Louisville, died peacefully at her home Tuesday, April 4, surrounded by family. Judi was everybody's Nana – the quintessential Italian Catholic Nonna – who showered all around her with love and care and food!.
She leaves behind nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with another great-grandchild due next month, as well as an army of family and friends who were lucky enough to be the subject of Judi's caregiving and love.
She was mother to three children: Michael Spooner of Elizabethtown, Ky., Nancy Falls, of Louisville, and her eldest, Steven Paul Spooner, Jr., who preceded her in death. Her husband of 54 years, Steve Spooner, also preceded her in death. We're certain he welcomed her to heaven shortly after her passing with a hearty, "What took you so long, Ralph?"
Judi was born June 2, 1943, in Westerly, Rhode Island, to Albert and Nancy Gencarella. She graduated from St. Joseph's College in Connecticut and Spalding University in Louisville.
She was a caretaker outside the home as well, having served the State of Kentucky for over 40 years as a social worker. She retired in 2003 after spending the last 18 years of her career as a special caretaker, connecting special needs children with caring families at the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Judi knitted, played bridge, and enjoyed traveling with Steve in their younger years. But more than anything, she was happiest when feeding and fussing over her children, grandchildren, family, neighbors, and friends.
She is survived by her two brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Kathy Gencarelli of Ocala, Fla., and Albert and Suzanne Gencarella of Palm City, Fla. Her daughters-in-law include Erica Hart Spooner of Chicago, Ill., and Donna Cleary Spooner of Elizabethtown, Ky. She is also survived by dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beyond.
Much of the focus of her caretaking and love, however, was her wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The grandchildren include Zack, Brandon, Noah, Halley, and Bella Spooner and Rilee Patrick, of Elizabethtown, Ky.; Grant and Katie Falls of Louisville, Ky.; and Jason Hart of Chicago, Ill. Her great-grandchildren include Stassi, Zeke, and Ostara, all of Elizabethtown, Ky.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Judi's life at a visitation at Pearson's Funeral Home (149 Breckenridge Lane in St. Matthews) on Monday, April 10 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. ET. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. ET, on Tuesday, April 11 at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church (6500 St. Bernadette Ave. Prospect). The Mass will be streamed live online at www.stb2008.org/media. A bereavement meal will be provided after Mass in the Parish Center. Burial will follow the meal at Calvary Cemetery where she will be interred with her husband, Steve.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Judi can be made to Saint Bernadette Catholic Church (www.stb2008.org) or the de Paul School (depaulschool.org).
Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes to Remember."