Judith "Judy" Marie Theobald Fitzhugh, better known as "Nana," age 79, passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, March 15, 2026, after an incredible 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. The world definitely lost some sparkle on March 15th, but her legacy of faith and joy remains.

Judy was born on May 24, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late Katherine Jo and Clarence Joseph Theobald, Jr. She was an alumna of St. Frances of Rome Catholic School, Assumption High School, and Catherine Spalding College. She married Larry Fitzhugh on August 13, 1966, at St. Frances of Rome. He was her devoted caregiver during her battle with cancer.

Judy's Catholic faith was central to her life, and it was evident in everything she did, especially during her courageous battle over the last 18 months. She was known for her prayer jar, intercessions to the holy souls, dedicated Mass attendance, and for faithfully serving as a godmother and Confirmation sponsor to many. Ever the social butterfly, she treasured her time with the Queen's Daughters, her many social clubs, and the Saturday morning breakfast crew. As a 2016 WLKY Bell Award winner, her life was dedicated to service. She especially loved her time serving the Our Lady of Peace Clothes Closet, Candy for Caring, Mother Teresa's mission in Appalachia, Meals on Wheels, and her grandchildren's schools. Her life's mission was to make sure that no one went hungry and that everyone felt special.

She was a kindergarten teacher at Zion United Church of Christ for 20 years, until 1993, when she was promoted to her favorite role, Nana. "Nana with the purple hair" was a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend. Covered in glitter and smelling of cotton candy, Nana was always ready for a party and loved celebrating both major and obscure holidays. She was so proud of all her kids and grandkids, attending every sporting event or awards ceremony she could possibly reach. Nana loved dips, peaches, scratch-offs, going to the casino, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, and the color purple, but most of all, she loved her family and friends.

She will be missed forever and is survived by her husband of 59 years, Larry; her three children, Lawre Berger (Mark), Scott Fitzhugh (Paige), and Jill Williams-Hofelich (Troy); her seven grandchildren, Cas Dabrowski (Alex), Anna White (Patrick), Meg Mahoney (Aaron), Clay Fitzhugh (Julia), Cole Berger, Autumn Williams, and Noah Berger; and four great-grandchildren, Todd Williams, Elizabeth Mahoney, Bennett White, and John Dabrowski. She is also survived by her brother, Bud Theobald (Vicki); her sister, Kathy Baker; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many other special friends and loved ones.

Our family would like to thank the wonderful healthcare team at Norton Audubon Cancer Institute, especially Nicole Crawford, for the amazing care they provided her and our family during this battle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in her name to the Connie Erickson Foundation or Candy for Caring.

Following a private burial, a Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, with a reception to follow from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Clifton Center on the St. Frances of Rome campus.

As Nana would always say, "Love you lots."