Judith Whiting

Judith Ann Whiting (Van Nelson) smiled as she met her Lord. She joined her husband Dean on November 5, 2025, in Sun Prairie, WI, at the age of 83. She was born on January 31, 1942, in Green Bay, WI, to Earl and Leona Van Nelson and was the 2nd of seven siblings.  

Growing up she was in scouts, school drama productions and Civil Air Patrol. On June 13, 1964 Judy married the love of her life, Dean Whiting, and they started a family 10 months later. They moved to the Northside of Madison in 1966 where they raised 3 girls together, Tina, Vickie and Jenny. Judy shared many of her passions with her girls such as sewing, crafting, birds, gardening and creative cooking. She made everything from Easter parade hats to bicentennial dresses and Halloween costumes for the girls. She sewed clothes and dresses for school dances. Each birthday she made their favorite cake, usually chocolate.

Judy adored her grandchildren, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Diana, Nathan, Danielle and Will, and loved watching them grow. Many summer days were spent cooking or crafting on the screen porch. One summer she helped her grandchildren sew over 20 bears to donate to Agrace Hospice. She was very proud of their achievements and successes. Later in life she was blessed with great grandchildren, Landon and Mason, whose visits brought her much joy. Judy cherished every moment spent at her grandkids’ activities, family gatherings, and on vacations or day trips. Together, she and Dean loved exploring the West on road trips and treasured their 40th anniversary cruise to Hawaii.

Judy gave of herself with the many quilts, sweaters, hats, mittens, slippers, cross stitch, needlework, scrapbooks and teddy bears she made. She gifted her talents to her family, friends, church and through donations. Judy’s love was felt in every stitch of a quilt, knitted scarf, carefully crafted scrapbook page, and each dish she prepared. She had a special gift for making ordinary moments feel extraordinary, turning her home into a place where everyone felt welcome and cared for. Judy enjoyed spending time with her quilting group, friends at lunch, water aerobics, and playing cards with the neighborhood card club and the St. Peter's card club. 

Judy was a woman of deep faith, guided throughout her life by her devotion to the Catholic Church. Her kindness, generosity, and steadfast spirit reflected her belief in living a life rooted in love and service to others. As a charter member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Judy volunteered her time sewing banners, serving on the liturgy committee, knitting with the prayer shawl group and working at the church for 9 years in the religious education program. 

Judy worked at a bank and for Charmin Paper in Green Bay. In Madison she worked part-time at Sears so she could be home with her girls. She worked as a professional seamstress for many years. After working at St. Peter Catholic Church she returned to retail and retired from JC Penney after 10 years. She enjoyed serving others in each of her jobs by providing great customer service, sewing a well made piece or sharing her religious values with kids.

Judy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Dean. Judy was also preceded in death by her parents Earl and Leona (Raymaker) Van Nelson, parents in-law Leno and Ivy (Fuller) Whiting; siblings Mary Pittler, Linda Van Nelson and Nancy Van Nelson, in laws Richard Pittler, Diane and Joe Mendolla, and Janice and Marv Delvaux. 

Judy is survived by daughters Tina Hafeman (David), Vickie Lindemann (Scott), and Jenny Whiting-Dennis (Bill Dennis); grandchildren Tyler Rowin (Betsy Alland), Kaitlyn Peters (Matt), Diana Rowin, Nathan Hafeman (Hannah Mirabal), Danielle Maggio and Will Dennis; great grandchildren Landon Henning and Mason Peters. She is further survived by siblings Bill Van Nelson (Cheryl), Tom Van Nelson (Carol) and Jim Van Nelson, in-laws Leon Whiting (Chris), Sharon Van Lanen, Cindy Brazeau (Jim), and Debbie Whiting (Dan Lequia) and many nieces and nephews.

Her family and friends will forever remember her patient hands, and the way she showed her affection not just in words, but through the countless small acts of care that filled every day.

Judy’s family would like to thank the many caregivers from Hyland Crossings, Agrace Hospice and Fox Therapy for their genuine love, empathy and compassionate care and support. Though she will be deeply missed, Judy’s love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N Sherman Ave, Madison, with Fr. Bill Nolan presiding. A visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Alzheimer's Association or Agrace Hospice. If you would like to bring a new teddy bear to Judy’s service, they will be donated to Agrace Hospice in her honor.