Judith Ann Zacher, also known as JJ by her grands passed away on February 3, 2024, at the age of 87 in Columbus, Georgia. Born on June 9, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Judy was the daughter of Antoinette Smith MacNeil and JC MacNeil, who owned MacNeil & Moore stores in Milwaukee. Judy was the second of three children and spent much of her childhood on the family farm near Milwaukee where she and her brothers would hike, ride ponies, play with the farm animals and fish. She had a vibrant and outgoing personality and loved to dance, sing, and whistle. Judy's warm and friendly nature endeared her to everyone she met throughout her life. She never met a stranger.
She is survived by her brothers, Douglas MacNeil of Milwaukee and Jonathon Carlton MacNeil (Ginny) of Zirconia, N.C. and loving nieces and nephews. Judy also leaves behind her children: Perry Lamar Borom (Beth),Antoinette Marie Lofton, and Ann Elizabeth Ross. She was a proud grandmother to MacNeil Elizabeth Wilson (Peyton), Lillian Margaret Belyew (Nicholas), Robert William Ross, Judith Roberts Borom, and Brock Anthony Lofton and Great Grandson River James Belyew.
Judy's educational journey included attending the University School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, She went on to pursue higher education at Bradford Junior College and the University of Wisconsin.
Judy met her first Husband Perry Lamar Borom while working in San Francisco. The couple lived in Columbus Ga where Judy raised her family and made Columbus her longtime home. She was very active in the Columbus community having served as President of The Junior League of Columbus and was a long-time member of Green Island Country Club.
Later in the second act of her life, Judy reconnected with her high school best friend and she and Peter Zacher were married in 2000. They subsequently made Delray Beach, Florida their home while spending summer and fall in Cleveland Ohio with Peters family and friends. The couple loved global travel as well as playing bridge and lots of croquet.
Upon Peter's death in 2010, Judy returned to Columbus, reconnecting with her many friends. And spending time with her family. In her leisure time, Judy had a green thumb and was a Master Gardener. She took great pride in her gardening skills and nurtured beautiful plants and flowers. Judy was also an outstanding golfer, achieving several "hole-in-ones " while becoming a club champion. Always a competitive athlete, Judy also enjoyed playing Croquet and Tennis. Judy cherished her walks with her beloved dog, Wilma, and kitty cat CC and loved entertaining for her many friends and grandchildren.
Special gratitude to Judys caretakers Wandra Brown, Ayshiea Conerly, Josette Lane, Debra Buckley, Alice Davis, and Kendall Lyndsey who continued to keep her busy and engaged doing all of the things she loved.
Judy found solace in her faith and was an active member of Christ the King in Pine Mountain, GA, Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus, GA, and St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida. Her spirituality provided her with strength, guidance and comfort throughout her life.
But her family with whom she stayed connected all of her life, was her life's love and joy. We all will deeply miss her warmth, kindness and zest for life.
May her soul rest in eternal peace until the day that we are all reunited.
A graveside service to honor and remember Judy will be held at Parkhill Cemetery on February 10, 2024, at 3:00 pm, with Father Anthony Madanu officiating according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.
In Lieu of flowers , a donation may be made in Judy’s name to the Columbus Botanical Gardens at www.Columbusbotanicalgarden.org
