Judith "Judy" Ann Sorensen's Obituary
Racine - Judith Ann Sorensen, known as “Judy”, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI, at the age of 79.
Born in Racine on April 2, 1945, Judy was the daughter of Harold and Ann Sorensen (nee Nielsen). On September 28, 1968, she married Thomas J. Hagner in Racine, and together they shared a life raising their children until their paths diverged in 1997.
Judy's professional journey was marked by her roles as a receptionist at Paulson's Furniture, Frank Gentile Dealership, Karlsen Plumbing, and the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, where her creative spirit thrived. She found great joy in her work at the museum, where her passion for art could flourish.
Outside of her professional life, Judy attended Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, where her spirituality and sense of community were nurtured. She was an avid reader, often found exploring local bookstores or even more frequently visiting the library – a favorite destination with her youngest grandson, Christopher. Her love for cooking was evident in her collection of cookbooks, and she drew inspiration from Julia Child and PBS cooking shows. Judith's homemade baked goods and sewn comforters that she made for family and friends, as well as for the Salvation Army, were gestures of care and kindness that touched the lives of many.
Judy's creativity extended into her home, where her interior design talents shone through in her painting, curtains, wallpaper, and unique painted rugs on hardwood floors, reflecting her Danish heritage. Her artistic endeavors were celebrated in the Racine Journal Times, showcasing her talent in her beautiful homes.
Judy will be lovingly remembered by her children: Cheryl (Patrick) Byron, Elizabeth (Louis) Gross, and Matthew (Elvia) Hagner; grandchildren: Aurelie Byron, Charlie Gross, Caroline Gross, and Christopher Hagner. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ann Sorensen, her son T. Christopher "Chris" Hagner in 2009, and her brother, David Sorensen.
A celebration of Judy's life will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, June 29, 2024, with visitation beginning at 2:00 pm until a memorial service at 5:00 pm. Private inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery. For those planning to visit with the family at Wilson Funeral Home, please consider wearing blue, Judy’s favorite color. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Racine Public Library Foundation, 75 Seventh Street, Racine, WI 53403, a place where Judy spent many comforting hours.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Alliance for their kind and compassionate care of Judy during her final days.
Judith Ann Sorensen's legacy of creativity, kindness, and community involvement will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace.
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