Judith Frances (Wildish) Cancellier Obituary
Mom passed peacefully in her home on April 1, 2026. She was born in Milwaukee February 1, 1941 to Beulah Wildish (nee Iverson) and Francis Wildish. During her childhood she lived in Montana and Texas as her father was an engineer building bridges. She always said she made friends easily even moving around the country frequently. The family settled back in Wisconsin to the family homestead in Neillsville where she had many fond memories with her two sets of grandparents and many cousins. She later moved to Milwaukee and attended Riverside High School. She is preceded in death by her husband John Cancellier in 2010 and her first husband Salvator Fugarino in 2020; her siblings Janet Schoen of Wyoming, brothers John Wildish of Milwaukee and Michael Jaje of Virginia.
Her long time dream was to become a nurse. She started her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse and later continued her education to attain her degree as a Registered Nurse and became a case manager on inpatient rehab at Community Memorial Hospital for twenty five years until retirement. She was very proud of the care she provided to her patients and their families to allow them to return home. As a case manager she was the leader of the "dream team" on second shift with her dear friends Caroline and Joann at her side. They remained close friends throughout the years and the family is grateful.
Mom had many interests throughout her life. She loved to travel and enjoyed escaping Wisconsin winters for vacations to a distant sunny locale. Her and John traveled to Europe twice spending time in Italy and France. She was an avid reader always interested in learning. She also loved gardening and enjoyed all the beautiful perennials she faithfully tended. Spring was her favorite season. Mom also had a love of animals! She had a variety of farm animals throughout the years along with several cats and dogs. For the last year she had the love of her grand kitties who kept her company.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children Rebecca Fugarino Wolf (Scott), David Fugarino, Sara Fugarino and granddaughter Lola Fugarino along with her step grandchildren and many other family and friends.
Mom, we will miss and cherish you forever. Your love will support us as you supported us all our lives.
Funeral Services for Judith will be held on Friday April 10, 2026 at 12 Noon at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1350 Hwy 175 Hubertus, WI 53033. Visitation will be at the Church from 10:30 AM until the time of the Service. A luncheon will follow at the church. Burial will be on Monday April 13, 2026 at 1 PM at Columbia Cemetery, Town of Hewitt, WI.
