She was the devoted mother of Chuck, Paul, Monique, Lisa, Keith, Renee, Andrea, Micheline, Yvette, and Chris; the proud “MaMa Judy” grandmother of Charlie, Nathan, Shiloh, Chelsea, Parker, Christopher, Justin, Samantha, Garrett, Amy, Jordan, Sydney, Emery, Bryce, Grant, Travis, Evan, Taylor, Trent, Austin, Blakeley, Rainey, and Jadon; and the adored great-grandmother of Elena, Morgan, Caden, Nola, Tallulah, Redding, Palmer, Samuel, Myla, Wallace, Lily, Leeland, Jackson, Olivia, Ellie, Kinsey, Lincoln, Penn, Willa, Henry, Anne Marie, Shia, and Pierre.
Judy was born on April 1, 1929 to David and Lila Pearl Knapp, Judy grew up in Mobile, Alabama, surrounded by her siblings David, Graham, Roy, Marion, Florence, WM, and Sep. Judy lost her mother during the great depression which left a lifelong scar but her childhood was steeped in a close-knit family bond that would shape her life and values. Academically gifted and socially charismatic, Judy graduated from Mississippi Junior College as Salutatorian and was affectionately known as Campus Hi-Flirt. After college, Judy ventured to New York City, working at Shell Oil Company near Radio City Music Hall. A twist of fate brought her to Houston, where she met the love of her life, Chuck Saint Laurent. On July 14, 1951, they were married at Annunciation Catholic Church, and together, they began a journey filled with love, faith, and adventure.
The couple traveled across the United States with Shell Oil before settling in their forever home on Kingsride in Houston’s Fonn Villas Memorial area, where they raised their children and created a home filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Judy had a remarkable sense of humor and an infectious spirit that brought joy to every gathering. With her playful personality and natural gift for entertaining, she was often the center of attention, delighting in making others laugh. Her home was a haven of warmth and joy, where family and friends gathered to share life’s moments, big and small. Judy and Chuck shared a lifelong romance, a testament to their deep love and faith. Together, they raised their family within the strong Catholic community of Saint Cecilia’s Parish and watched with pride as their family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Judy was the perfect mother and best friend. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and matriarch whose love knew no bounds. Judy’s legacy is one of love, laughter, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family.
Despite life's challenges including the heartbreaking loss of her Mother, her son Keith and her husband Chuck, Judy remained a beacon of strength and love. Throughout her life, Mom taught us that happiness is a choice. Judy lived her life fully, embracing both challenges and celebrations with a heart that remained forever young. Judy leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and an unwavering spirit that inspired everyone who knew her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. Rest in peace dear MaMa Judy, you will be missed but never forgotten. All our Love, All our Lives.
A funeral mass for Judith will be held Monday, October 28, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Dr, Houston, TX 77024. Following the funeral mass will be a committal service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077.
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