Judith Anne Horvath Getz

May 8, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Judith Anne Horvath Getz beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the age of 81.

Born in Buffalo, NY on April 28, 1943, to Victor J. and Adalaide Newman Horvath, she was the oldest of three children and was raised to love, respect, and cherish God and family.  Her focus on learning led her to D’Youville College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.   

Judy grew up only five blocks away from her future husband, Norman Getz.  They grew up; attended church and school together; and dated through high school and college before getting married at St. James Roman Catholic church on October 1, 1966.  They went on to have five children.  Throughout her life, she nurtured, guided, and comforted her children with a loving heart and a deep faith.  Over the years she turned mere houses in Circleville, OH; Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; and Charlotte, NC into caring homes that fostered a dedication to hard work and achievement in all aspects of life.  Whether she was hiding Easter eggs for grandchildren or baking dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies, she earned her nickname as “the food lady” and her home was the central gathering spot for her beloved family.

Judith loved reading, having a (quiet) morning cup of coffee, listening to music and enjoying the fine arts.  She worked as a 5th grade teacher in Ohio before starting her family and later in life as a school Librarian while living in Charlotte, NC.   She enjoyed helping students develop their academic skills.  When she retired and the pace of life eventually slowed, Judy (aka Nana) was able to volunteer at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center where she enjoyed theater productions and concerts … “for free”.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Norman William Getz; their five children, Andrew Getz and his wife, Virginia, Michael Getz and his wife, Tina McEntire, Matthew Getz and his wife, Sara, Suzanne Getz Cescon and Steven Getz and his wife, Emily; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are her sister, Marilyn Kelly and her husband, Jim; brother, Victor and his husband, Arne and four sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and numerous friends.  Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 20, 2024, in the chapel at Aldersgate Retirement Community, 3800 Shamrock Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in the Club Room at Aldersgate.  Interment will be private in Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Judith to Blumenthal Performing Arts, Attn: Development Department, 130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 (https://givebutter.com/4dKrY6) or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (https://www.stjude.org/).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Catherine Ohl McClurg

    Dear Uncle Norm and family,
    Sending my very deepest sympathy, love and prayers.
    Love, Cathy

  • Ed and Nancy McFadden

    Our deepest sympathies to the family. We are privileged to have known such a sweet, loving woman and are grateful that our daughter, Sara, has had such a kind, supportive mother-in-law.

  • Gloria Jinks

    Condolences to you Suzie and your family. I prayer for comfort and peace during this hard time.

  • Gary Cescon

    Judy will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She was always a perfect Southern lady and was always ready to welcome you into her home. My deepest condolences go out to Norm and the family at this time of their loss.

  • Linda Wach

    My fond memories of Aunt Judy was her exuberant spirit of family and friends. I always felt welcome when visiting her and my Uncle Norm on the rare occasions I traveled to Charlotte. Yes, at her house, the kitchen was the best place to hang out! The last time we were together was at my sister, Theresa’s house in Waxhaw for the July 4th holiday, a few years ago. We enjoyed the summer sun around the pool with the Ohls and Aunt Judy and Uncle Norm. May God rest her soul. On behalf of my husband, Don and the girls, we love you.