Judith Wilkinson Giorlando

Judith Wilkinson Giorlando, 65, passed away on July 25, 2023, after a courageous battle against cancer. Beloved wife of Dr. Michael F. Giorlando of 35 years, mother of Dr. Andrew M. Giorlando (Emily) and Michael F. Giorlando Jr., sister of Pamela W. Bourg and of Michael J. Wilkinson. She was daughter-in-law to Marie C. Giorlando. She was also sister-in-law to Joanna M. Giorlando, Dr. Paul J. Giorlando (Mary), Joseph A. Giorlando, Maria G. Pellerin (Curtis), Angele “Beanie” Davis, Felice G. Stokes (Denis) and aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Stephen Wilkinson and Melonie Costello Wilkinson, father-in-law, Dr. A. J. Giorlando, sister-in-law, Carol C. Wilkinson, brother-in-law, Dr. Wilson C. Bourg, III, and nephew, Hugh J. Davis, III.

Judy was born on July 8, 1958, in New Orleans, LA, and grew up in the Gentilly neighborhood. She graduated from Cabrini High School in 1976, where her passion for helping others began to develop. She attended LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1980. She began her nursing career in the Accident Room of Charity Hospital where she would meet her husband Michael who worked at Charity as a dental extern.

Being a nurse allowed her to serve others but a greater call to serve others resulted in her enrolling in Loyola School of Law where she would learn how to be an advocate for others. She received her Juris Doctorate in 1987 and began her practice of law by returning to a very comfortable topic--working with other healthcare providers. That dedicated and special practice of healthcare law brought her much reward and recognition but all she intended was that her efforts would improve the professional life of every healthcare provider that crossed her path.

She practiced healthcare law for over 30 years, the last fourteen years at Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P. During that span, she wrote numerous publications, presented at multiple conferences, was a member of multiple regional and national legal associations, and received several awards for achievements in healthcare law. Her most recent award was being named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in 2022.

Judy loved helping others and she committed to help build the Kingdom of God with St. Aloysius Church Parish lay leadership. Perhaps it was the inability to say no to God that kept her volunteer spirit alive in volunteering at St. Aloysius and at Catholic High. She accepted all of these leadership calls, but it was really the joyful chaotic youth ministry events such as the Vacherie Mission trip, youth group retreats, fundraiser musical productions and summer trips that she truly enjoyed.

Love was the most important aspect of her life, the love of God, the love of her faith and the love of her family. She received much more than she gave being blessed by so many but especially by her niece Amanda Marie Wilkinson and her Mississippi family Aline Ward, Virginia Kenny, Billy Kenny and Mikki Ladner. Being Aunt Judy was an important part of who she wanted to be.

Judy was a devout Catholic, who had a deep devotion to Our Lady, the Most Blessed Mother, a dedicated wife, a loving mother, a well-accomplished lawyer in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge law communities, and a mentor and dear friend to many, many St. Aloysius parishioners. Her ability to connect with people and make them feel at ease was her landmark gift. Judy will be sorely missed by her colleagues, friends, and her family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the praying of the Holy Rosary at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be in All Saints Mausoleum, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or the Ochsner Cancer Center Baton Rouge, 17050 Medical Center Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 and include in the memo section on your donation “In Memory of Judy W. Giorlando.”