Judith A. Sander-Sheldon

Judith Ann Sander-Sheldon passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas, at the age of 80. She was born on January 27, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late O.J. and Alberta (Becky) Sander.

Judy was the oldest of eight children, with five sisters and two brothers arriving after her. She was the best big sister anyone could have ever wanted and a “second mother” to her younger siblings, always helping with anything that she was asked to do. Judy was a big fan of Pat Boone and Dion and the Belmonts, and loved to listen to musicals on her record player. After high school, Judy worked for the FBI for several years in the steno pool. She was a big fan of the Houston Astros, going back to when they were known as the Colt 45s; and around 1967, she moved with her friend Janice from New Orleans to Houston to more closely follow her team. She had season tickets, rarely missed a home game, and even made sure to catch their games on TV when visiting family in New Orleans during baseball season. Judy had a lifelong love of cats and, for a good while, maintained a really awesome doll collection.

Judy married in 1968, and her son, Christopher, was born in 1969. Judy was Chris’s rock, his greatest supporter, and his dearest friend. They talked every single day, and no matter what was happening in their lives, Judy always made sure Chris was okay. Her love was constant, her concern for him unwavering. Whether it was a simple check-in or a long conversation filled with her kindness and advice, Judy was always there. She had a way of making Chris feel safe, reminding him that no matter where he was or what he was going through, he was never alone. As Chris put it: “I will miss her voice, her wisdom, and her endless love, but I will carry her with me always."

While a young teenager, Sabrina became part of the family through adoption. Once she was out on her own, her mother continued to be a loving presence in her life. Judy was always there for Sabrina, through good times and challenges. She encouraged Sabrina, believed in her, shared many laughs and some sorrows, and was such a source of love over the years. Judy attended her granddaughter Bethanie’s parties throughout Bethanie’s childhood. Sabrina, her husband, Gabe, and daughter, Bethanie, have fond memories of sharing coffee and beignets with Judy at Cafe Du Monde when they all visited New Orleans, and even in The Woodlands, Texas. Any time they were able to spend with Judy, whether out and about, in their homes, or over the phone, was special to all of them, and filled with love.

After serving as the head of the stenographers’ group of the FBI in downtown Houston, Judy went on to work at Mitchell Energy, where she met her future husband, Fred. As Fred tells it, he walked into the company gym for a little exercise and stumbled into Judy, the most beautiful woman in the room, and so began a 30+ year love story. Together, they welcomed seven grandchildren: Bethanie, Braden, Cole, Ashlynn, Libby, Georgia, and Alice. A lover of travel, Judy’s most memorable trips were a cruise to Alaska and a trip to Italy, with Rome being her favorite stop.

Judy’s love and kindness knew no bounds, and her impact on everyone in her family was immense. She was greatly loved and is greatly missed.

Judy is survived by her husband, Fred; children, Chris Milne and Sabrina McCarty (Gabriel); stepchildren, Stacey S. Kilgore (Wayne) and Lisa S. Coburn (Grant); grandchildren, Bethanie; Braden, Cole, and Ashlynn Kilgore; and Libby, Georgia, and Alice Coburn; siblings, Mary Sarradet (Steve), Beth Cambre (Mike), Rosemary Sander, Peggy Prosperie (Nick), Marian Nicosia, and Joseph Sander; brother-in-law, Edward Sheldon (Rose); sister-in-law, Kathleen Sheldon; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, O.J. and Alberta (Becky) Sander; brother Patrick Michael Sander; and brother-in-law, John Nicosia, Jr.

Visitation will be held on April 12, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Benilde Catholic Church, 1901 Division Street, Metairie, Louisiana, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Interment will follow immediately at St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1, in New Orleans, Louisiana.