Judith Garavaglia

Judith Garavaglia, 69, of Union, MO passed away peacefully on March 30, 2022, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. 

Judy was born on July 30, 1952, to Charles and Marian (Moloney) Welz in St. Louis, MO.  After graduating from Bishop DuBourg High School in 1970, she married her childhood sweetheart, John Garavaglia, on September 26, 1975, at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church in Affton, MO.  

Judy’s life revolved around her family.  Whether spoiling her grandchildren or cooking food for her family, “Grandma G” always spent her time taking care of others and making people smile.  She was always up for an adventure and loved road trips with family and friends.  An avid fan of horseback riding, she also enjoyed collecting rocks from various travels.  Some of Judy’s favorite moments were hosting the annual 4th of July party at the farm, spending Halloween with her family and grandkids, and celebrating Christmas at the cabin.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Charles Welz.  She is survived by her husband, John Garavaglia; her daughter, Rachel Garavaglia Brinker and her husband, Nic, of St. Louis; her son Matthew Garavaglia and his wife, Courtney, of St. Louis; her mother, Marian (Moloney) Welz of Affton; three grandchildren, Olivia Garavaglia, Xavier Brinker, and Brody Garavaglia, all of St. Louis; sisters, Nancy (Welz) Zlatic and her husband, Joe, of St. Louis, Kathy (Welz) McNeary and her husband, Tim, of Sarasota, and Elaine (Welz) Seevers of St. Louis; brothers, Bruce Welz and his wife, Kelly, of St. Peters, and Chuck Welz and his wife, Rita, of Valrico; many nieces and nephews; and beloved dogs and granddogs, Murphy, Boxy, Maggie, Preston, and Bennett.

Out of respect for Judy’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.  Instead, a Celebration of Life will take place this summer at the family farm.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Judy in a special way are invited to support her family’s Pedal the Cause team, “Grandma G’s Rainbow Riders”

13 Comments

  1. Chris Germann on April 2, 2022 at 2:59 pm

    We love you all and are so very sorry for your loss. Judy was a special lady who loved her family. Cherish the memories.

    Love,
    The Germann family



  2. Linda Didion on April 2, 2022 at 9:20 pm

    Beautiful obituary of a beautiful lady. Her eyes twinkled when she talked about grandchildren. A
    Celebration of her life at the
    Farm is an excellent tribute at a place she loved.
    Prayers for all of you. Hugs John.



  3. Harry Ragan on April 3, 2022 at 10:00 am

    The world has lost a wonderful person. Judy set the example as a kind, caring individual who loved her family. Our heart goes out to John and their entire family, may she Rest In Peace.



  4. Ginny Heitert on April 3, 2022 at 5:26 pm

    My Dear Friend, You will be missed by so many! Your kindness, smile and laughter will always be remembered. I treasure our memories. God Bless❤️



  5. Mark Bertuso on April 4, 2022 at 10:48 am

    My deepest sympathies to you John and your family. I regret not having the honor of meeting Judy



  6. Larry Meyer on April 4, 2022 at 11:21 am

    Judy will be missed by us all. Such a sweet and kind person the simple thought of her puts a smile on your face. Judy will always be missed and always remembered through the wonderful memories she left us with.



  7. Roy Wunsch on April 4, 2022 at 3:48 pm

    My deepest sympathies to Mary and The Who family in the loss of Judy. My prayers for peace and strength during this difficult journey.



  8. Joyce Sorg on April 4, 2022 at 6:07 pm

    Judy you will be missed and our prayers for John and your family.



  9. The Hambrook’s on April 4, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    Our deepest sympathy for the Garavaglia family. I will miss seeing Judy’s beautiful smile and twinkle in her eyes! We send all of our love.



  10. Patti & Kurt Zang on April 4, 2022 at 8:58 pm

    John – Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy



  11. Craig R Ollar on April 5, 2022 at 12:44 pm

    John and family. I’m sorry for your loss. My memory of Judy was that she was so kind and gentle hearted. May the Lord receive her and comfort her for eternity.



  12. Sue Brindell on April 5, 2022 at 11:37 pm

    Judy will be deeply missed. Always a smile! Prayers to John & family.



  13. Becky Ramsay on April 6, 2022 at 10:46 am

    We are thinking of you, John, and your family, and are so sorry for your loss. Judy was such a loving and kind person. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

    Becky & Don Ramsay



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