Judith Marie Fertitta

Judith Marie Fertitta

On the first day of May, a baby girl was born with special needs. The name Judith was chose for her because her future seemed so bleak and a miracle could only explain her survival. She was the second child to join our family bearing unusual gifts. Her special needs allowed many lives to share their compassion as she shared her gift of special love.

 After a three month stay in the hospital, Judith reached the weight of five pounds and was allowed to come home. She only had the strength to consume formulas from an eye dropper. Within nine months she weighed twenty five pounds on her way to living her life and sharing “her” special gifts.

 Everyone that she met was asked the same question by Judith, “Would you be my friend?”, and her reply would be, “The Kid Loves YOU”.

 Judith received First Communion in May 1967 at St. Anne Catholic Church. She was educated at Angie Nalls School and Special Education Classes in public schools. Judith graduated from Forest Park School in 1978. She earned certificates of community service while attending school. Her desire to keep learning like her brothers and sister led her to complete a Dale Carnegie Course in 1980. She has earned many ribbons and metals from participating in Special Olympics track competitions.

The hobby she spent most time doing was making hook rugs. A daily routine was advised for Judith so that she would feel a sense of security and develop a dependable plan of little change from day to day. Going to Mass with her Dad and to the store for a few hours each day made her very happy. As she got older she would volunteer with her Mother for community service projects. Her brothers and sister helped daily with support and care for needs of their sister.

 Judith’s health declined and when she was thirty years old the doctors advised that she experience independent living in a group home setting. She was presently living at a St. Giles Living Center, Inc. group home with other special needs women. Judith loved her new friends and enjoyed her independence with the watch and help of constant care givers.

 Growing up with many physical and mental problems did not stop Judith from trying her best to succeed. Her legs were placed in casts many months with hope of walking one day. Her corrective eye surgery improved her vision. Breaking her leg was a slow process, but she recovered completely.

 At the age of thirteen, she developed a virus that left her with a compromising blood chemistry. This condition finally took her life, on Friday, December 6, 2013, at the age of 54. Many doctors did their very best to help her, but near the end of Judith’s life comfort care was the last gift available for her.

 The special needs of others help all of us discover the special gift of giving. Actually, it makes for a wonderful circle of love gifting from God.

 A Memorial Mass for Judith will be celebrated 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 16, 2013, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont.  A reception for family and friends will be held in St. Anne Church Parish Hall, following the Memorial Mass.

The family would like to THANK Dr. Rogelio Mendoza and many other physicians for their excellent care during Judith's fight to recovery.   Nurses who attended her daily medical care also gave her much comfort. The staff and friends at St. Giles Living Center, Inc., became her second family and filled in when we could no longer be near. Julie Haynes and Doris Smith gave their devoted love with compassion, as they renewed their friendship with Judith and filled her every need possible during her illness.  A sincere THANK YOU to each of you for your gift of kindness and comfort care as Judith journeyed toward Peace and Joy with God.

 Please, pause today and pray for Judith and ALL the deceased members in YOUR families. 

 Those desiring to make memorial contributions may make them to a charity of their choice.