Judith Murphy Ace of Woodbury, died peacefully surrounded by love on August 21, 2020 in Hudson, WI.

Judy was born on March 16, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY to Edward and Leone (Orton) Murphy.  She grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, IL, and attended Stevens College in Columbia, MO, before transferring to the University of WI – Madison. Judy was a professionally trained opera singer and instilled her love of singing and opera into most of her children.

Judy married the love of her life, Norris Ace, on December 19, 1953. Devoting her early married life to raising children came naturally to Judy. She wanted a large family and she was blessed with eight children. She poured herself into all aspects of their lives, including their friends’ lives too. She helped many young people find their way, through her limitless love, guidance and encouragement. 

While serving on a Grand Jury in Rochester, Judy’s sharp intellect caught the eye of a criminal defense lawyer. He was impressed with her compassion and ability to discern deeper issues. Shortly after, she began a career as a legal investigator with his law firm. At the age of 50, Judy went back to college and became an RN. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in the cardiac unit and then at Assisi Heights in Rochester caring for the Nuns. In retirement Judy enjoyed traveling with Norris, spending winters in Florida, visiting the Holy Land with her church, cruising Europe with her sister and knitting for everyone she loved.

When asked what she wanted her legacy to be she wrote, “3 words I would like to have said about me when I am gone…’She loved me’.”

Judy is survived by her children, Deborah (Mark) Lipke of Grantsburg, WI; Amy Ace (Tom) Lance of Stillwater, MN; Melinda (Brian) Ray of Rimrock, AZ; Kevin (Julie) Ace of Stewartville, MN; Kerry Ace of Faribault, MN; Melissa (Frank) Puglisi of Woodbury, MN. Judy was blessed with 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norris; her daughter Mary Anne; son Timothy Edward; and son in law Christopher Robert.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 27, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4125 Woodbury Drive, Woodbury.  Internment will be in St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Stewartville, MN following the service.  Memorials preferred to Stewartville Public Schools, Angel Fund to reduce school lunch debt.