Judith Strauss

Judith Jacobs Strauss died peacefully at home on September 7, 2026. Born June 9, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, Judy grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and her Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Judy dedicated most of her professional life in program, service, and leadership to Jewish Family Services in Milwaukee. She was a passionate advocate for people with developmental disabilities and played an important role in helping newcomers resettle and build lives in the community. All her work, including as a private therapist, further reflected her desire to bring comfort, healing, and hope to others. For Judy, helping people was more than a profession—it was simply who she was: compassionate and deeply committed to making life better for others. Judy was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud Nana. She treasured time with her family and was happiest with a houseful of people gathered around the table for a meal. Petite in stature but mighty in spirit, Judy had a giving heart, a generous nature, and a remarkable capacity to care for others. A lifelong Wisconsin sports fan—and especially a devoted Milwaukee Brewers fan—Judy also loved a lake swim in nearly any weather, walking, running, water skiing, watercolor painting, reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time with the people she loved. Judy is survived by her husband of 35 years, Allan Richard Strauss; daughters, Stephanie Sweet Chauss (Michael) and Michelle Sweet Thomas (Raj); stepchildren, Jonathan Strauss (Kay) and Betsy Strauss (Robert Newbold); and grandchildren, Jacob, Samantha, Lacey, Raymond, Benjamin, Riley, Alexa, and Ida. Also survived by sister-in-law, Wendy Schuster, and former husband and father of her children, James Sweet. Judy was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Tracy Sweet, whose memory she carried with her always; her parents, Nathan and Ida Jacobs; parents-in-law, Raymond and Elaine Strauss; and sister-in-law Julie Even (Randy). The family is deeply grateful to Ralyn Homecare and By Your Side Hospice for helping ensure that Judy’s final days were filled with comfort, dignity, and love, with special thanks to Alexis, Jessica, Jesse, and Kaycea for their compassionate care. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 10th at 11:00 AM at Mound Zion Cemetery, 14510 W. North Avenue, Brookfield. Please go to: www.goodmanbensman.com to join the service via Zoom (link also found below). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tracy Sweet Camp Interlaken JCC Scholarship Endowment Fund. May Judy’s memory be for a blessing. Shiva Thursday, September 10th at 6:30pm at 10251 Westport Circle, Mequon WI, and Friday, September 11th from 3:00pm-6:00pm at 1641 Deephaven Drive, St. Paul MN, 55129.