Jude M. Sheridan

Jude Mary Sheridan (née Hartz), age 86, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, at AngelsGrace Hospice on June 8, 2018. Jude was born on June 18, 1931, in Merrill, WI, to John Lloyd Hartz and Lucille Hartz. Preceded in death by her parents and her beloved siblings John Hartz, Patricia O’Neill, and Mary Cross.

Growing up in Waukesha, Jude met her husband of nearly 67 years, Christopher J. Sheridan, in 1949. After high school, Jude started nursing school, then married Chris in 1951. She joined her husband in Air Force life, living all over the world, including Japan and Okinawa. They moved back to Wisconsin in 1968, first living in Lodi and then settling in their hometown of Waukesha in 1975.

For Jude, life’s meaning revolved around the heart. Jude was easy to fall in love with; her desire to connect, her compassion, and her curiosity led to long conversations over cups of tea and scones, resulting in a lifetime of enduring friendships.

Jude had a deep love of music. She shared her talents especially with her children, who fondly remember sing-a-long car trips and nights at home with Jude leading the group on the piano, the accordion, and the ukulele. Whether making dinner, corralling her children to do the dishes or simply reminiscing, Jude will be remembered as singing a song. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all carry on this tradition.

Jude had a special place in her heart for children. Known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren, she always had a warm hug and kind words for them. She was generous and patient and made each and every person feel special. Mimi’s warmth and compassion will be remembered for generations to come.

Jude always made time for her many dear friends and extended family. Her eight adult children are best of friends and her siblings were her dearest companions. She is survived by her husband, Christopher J. Sheridan, Sr., her children Michele (Shelly) Malin (and her husband Thomas) of Brookfield, WI; Michael Sheridan (Ronnie Farer), of Jersey City, NJ; Kathleen Sheridan (Daniel Schulman) of Chicago, IL; Christopher Sheridan, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI; Patrick Sheridan (Sarah Arnold) of Minneapolis, MN; Timothy Sheridan (Whitney) of Milwaukee, WI; Mary Sheridan of New York, NY; and Bridgette Sheridan (Margery Adams) of Cambridge, MA; 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She is also survived by five siblings: Bridgette Walters, Barbara Jill Schram, Matthew Hartz, Andrew Jeffrey Hartz, Timothy Hartz; many loving nieces and nephews, including Jennifer Thompson (Christopher Davies) who played a special supportive role in Jude’s life.

Jude’s Catholic faith was central in her life and brought her not only solace in hard times, but paved her path of charity, friendship, and community. She is loved and will be deeply missed.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church 225 S Hartwell Ave. in Waukesha on July 6, 2018. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m., mass at 1:00 p.m. A reception to celebrate Jude’s life will be held after the mass.

In honor of Jude’s exceptional care, contributions may be made to AngelsGrace Hospice, Oconomowoc, WI ( https://www.prohealthcare.org/foundation-make-a-gift.aspx ).

Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.randledable.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.