Judith Marie Wayne

LOUISVILLE - Judith (“Judy”) Marie Wayne, age 77, of Louisville, Kentucky died peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024, at her home with her three children and husband by her side. Judy lived a beautiful life, surrounded by those who loved her, and she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend.

Judy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Peter H. Wayne III, M.D., and her three children, Amy Broyles (John), Julie Gibbons (Brian), and Peter H. Wayne IV (Julia). In addition, she is survived by her seven grandchildren, Sophie, Liam, Fiona, Finnegan, Koko Alice, Molly, and Henry. Judy is pre-deceased by her twin daughters, Patricia Mary and Margaret Brady, both of whom died shortly after birth on April 21, 1979.

Judy was born on July 23, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan to Frank James Brady and Katherine Mary (Sweeney) Brady. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Kay Turner (John) and Patricia Winn (Tom), and a brother, Frank James Brady, Jr. (Cindy). During her early years, Judy enjoyed reading and was an avid swimmer. She was also a friend to many, some friendships of which continued throughout her life. She eventually went on to earn an associate degree from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan.

Judy met her husband, Peter, in the infield of Churchill Downs at the 1968 Kentucky Derby. Both from Detroit they discovered that their fathers, coincidently, were childhood friends. Judy and Peter married in 1970.

After their wedding, Judy and Peter resided in Detroit where Judy supported Peter’s medical school studies by working for General Motors. When Peter’s medical training concluded in 1977, Judy and Peter moved to Louisville. In Louisville, Judy quickly became an active member of the Junior League of Louisville, The Louisville Fillies, the Younger Women’s Club, and the Women’s Club and became a board member of the Louisville Theatrical Association, which she continued to serve on for 25 years. As a member of Big Spring Country Club, Judy also served on the Swim Team Committee and the House Committee. In addition, she was an active volunteer at her children’s schools as well as a cheerleader at their numerous athletic and theatrical performances. In more recent years, she continued to be active in the lives of her seven grandchildren.

Beginning in 1988, Judy found time to help foster 26 newborn babies who were going through the adoption process; and with help from her husband and three children, she cared for these babies from several weeks to months at a time. While it was never mentioned, it was clear that Judy spent her life committed to turning the loss of Patricia Mary and Margaret Brady into a positive by ensuring other newborn children were given a warm and loving entry into this world. Judy always found a way to make something beautiful out of tragedy. She was tough, passionate, loving, and capable of overcoming anything.

In her free time, Judy loved playing cards, especially bridge with her friends and gin with her husband, Peter, who claims he could not beat her. She was also an avid sports fan, most often cheering on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame alongside her husband and family. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and she loved to laugh and stay connected to those she loved by talking on the phone. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, children, siblings, and friends.

Judy is regarded by her family and her many acquaintances as a true and devoted friend. She will be greatly missed by family, friends, and acquaintances, but never forgotten.

Funeral Mass to celebrate Judy will be held at 10am on Friday, April 19th at St. Frances of Rome located at 2119 Payne Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40206.

Judy’s visitation will be 5-7pm on Thursday, April 18th at Pearson’s, 149 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40207.

In her honor, the family requests contributions be directed to Operation Open Arms which provides foster and adoption services to families in need. You can donate directly here: https://www.oparms.org/.