Judith Ann Neeser

Judith Ann Neeser, 88, of South Bend, passed into eternal life peacefully while surrounded by family on Monday, September 18, 2023 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. She was the first baby born in South Bend on January 1, 1935, to the late Stephen C. and Helen K. (Wincek) Hipsak. Judy graduated from Central High School in 1952. She then met and went on to marry Robert “Zeke” Otto Neeser on July 3, 1954. Bob predeceased her on November 6, 2002. 

The best time of Judy’s life was when she was raising her three boys. She passed on her passion for sports to them, never hesitating to join in their baseball, basketball, and other activities as they grew up. Judy always said that she was born too early to fully participate in women’s sports but loved attending the sporting events of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Judy loved animals and never went without having multiple pets at a time. At one point, she and her family had two horses, six dogs, and ten cats. She loved her own pets, but she also cared for numerous other animals as well. Judy could often be found at Healthwin, ensuring that any stray cats had food, water, and shelter. She loved to sit at her home and watch the wildlife enjoy the bounty that she provided for them.

Judy was predeceased by her sister Jill in 1999.  She is survived by her three sons; Robert C. (Andrea) Neeser of Scottsdale, AZ, Thomas M. Neeser (Cheryl Ashbaugh) of South Bend, their children Nathan Berkel (Kayla Morgan), Colette (Tommy) Krauter, and their grandchildren Jackson, Indy and Monroe, and Stephen J. (Mary) Neeser of Granger, IN, three grandchildren; Stephen Andrew “Drew” (Katherine) Neeser, Gregory William Neeser and Sarah Elizabeth Neeser, four great-grandchildren; Andrew Joseph “Joe” Neeser, Lilian Irene Neeser, Molly Anne Neeser and Zeke John Neeser and by a brother, Stephen M. (Gina) Hipsak of Canyon Lake, CA. She is also survived by her best friend and sister-in-law Donna Neeser, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her close friend Denise Austin continues to care for her beloved stray cats. For the last several months, Judy was lovingly cared for by her friend and caregiver Hazel Plummer.

 Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday September 20, 2023 at the Kaniewski Funeral Homes, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend.  To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com. Donations may be made to Pet Refuge at www.petrefuge.com.

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