Judith Elaine Schell

Age 75, lifelong resident of St. Paul.

Survived by sons, Danny (Nicole) and Mike (Lindsay); granddaughter, Jenna, and grandson, Jordan; two great-grandchildren; six brothers; one sister; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

​Judy.... Mother, Daughter, Sister, Grandmother, Friend and so much more.Her greatest love and accomplishment: her amazing sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was so proud of her boys, Danny and Mike; not only about what they do, what they have, and how far they have come, but proud of who they are. Proud of what they are. Patient and kind, loving and selfless, generous and giving. Proud men with integrity. Great brothers/siblings. Men who know that family is foundational. Great parents and/or providers. Faithful until the end. Her Jordan and Jenna - both growing and reaching for the stars. Striving to be the best version of themselves with whatever challenges or opportunities life throws at them. Also relying on those same foundational values. Always trying to make Grandma proud. And proud she was. They all sound a lot like Judy.​ From humble beginnings to humble ends. Never compromising her morals or values to get ahead or gain recognition. A quiet servant who would always be there, no matter what.​

The oldest of the “J” team - Judy, Jerry, Joey, Jackie, Jeffy, Jimmy, Johnny and Jay - she led the way. At less than five feet tall, she was our big sister. She accepted the responsibility that came with territory. Along with our parents, she always made sure we were safe, cared for, and loved. That we were pointed in the right direction. That we knew family was first and forever. That we always could and always should count on each other.

​Her friends were for LIFE. Forever. She maintained friendships from as far back as she can remember. From her first days in school until her last apartment where she made so many new friends. Some were neighbors, others were relatives. Some were classmates or hair-cutting clients. She made most of them feel like they were her best friend - and they were. She didn’t pick or choose who was special to her, they all were. Some of them had their rituals: the Denny’s breakfast club, bingo partners, card players, American Legion ladies, or special friends who she could rely on take her to the grocery store or to get prescriptions filled. I would try and name them, but there are too many. They know who they are. Judy was blessed to have them, and they were blessed to have her.​

She lived and loved. As a teen, she was a regular at the Friday night dances. She had her friends and had her favorites she hoped to dance with - boys she had a crush on, that would become friends for life. She went to school to become a beautician and landed jobs right after graduation. Whether working Rice Street, Payne Avenue or Maryland, this talent would provide for her as she raised a family or bought a house. She had clients - or honestly, friends - that stayed with her for 50 years.

She lived in Chicago and stayed in Hawaii. She went on sister trips and once wound up in New York City. She rode in parades and on floats. She saw Elvis and met Jimmy Carter.​

This was our Judy. She Lived and Loved.... and so much more. We will miss everything about you Judy, but we will cherish every moment we had. 

Memorial visitation at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Roseville, 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd. B on Sunday, February 26 from 2-6 PM with a sharing memories at 5 PM. Private interment Elmhurst Cemetery.