Obituary of Judith (Judy) A. Meraz

Judy Meraz passed away on August 28^th of 2023 at her home in Santa Cruz after a long fight with heart complications. She was 80 years old. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Carl and Regina Kohls on October 31, 1942. She and her two siblings grew up in Milwaukee, where she attended grammar and Catholic schools.

Judy moved to Santa Cruz 50 years ago where she met her husband, Jose (Joe) Meraz, they recently celebrated their 48^th year of being married. In her early years, Judy was a waitress until she found her true calling as a caregiver. She had many interests, she liked playing the slots machines at casinos, gardening, and creating works of art. She specialized in creating beautiful and meaningful cards; from birthdays to Christmas, her loved ones could always expect a fully handmade work of art from Judy.

She is survived by her loving husband Joe Meraz, her daughters Jan Koester and Jackie Setri. She is remembered by her grandchildren Mathew and Jennifer Koester, Sandra and Samantha Illingsworth, and great-grandchildren Brandon and Brianna Yaeger.

She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Regina Kohls, her brother Patrick Kohls, and her sister Susan Nelson all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.