Judith K. Jorgensen

Judith K. Jorgensen (nee Bivens), 79, of Elyria, Ohio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.She very much appreciated all the love, laughter and kisses shared in her final days with her family and many friends. She was born September 25,1945 in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Velma ('Bill') and Josephine (Wayland) Bivens. She often talked of times spent with her sister, Azalea 'Zadie' (Ron) Murray and brother, Jim (Betty) Bivens (all deceased) growing up in East St. Louis and Chicago.In 1965, she married the love of her life, Roger Jorgensen who preceded her in death in 2016. After living in Germany while Roger was stationed abroad, the two came back to the U.S. to raise a family. Judi finished her degree at Purdue University, sometimes dragging three young children to class with her, and began a rewarding career in Behavioral Health Nursing. Judi continued her education while working and received a Masters of Psychiatric Health/Mental Health Nursing from Medical College of Ohio in 1995. She held a variety of management positions in mental health and chemical dependency recovery units. Judi was happiest when she and her teams helped return people to productive lives. She made many cherished life-long friends who provided great support throughout her life. Everyone should have friends like hers. Even though Judi retired from nursing in 2009, she could not sit still. She began a second career teaching Nursing at Lorain County Community College where she continued until the Spring of 2020 when she retired for good at the age of 75. It was telling how often former students would randomly stop Judi's sons and tell them what fond memories they had of their mom as a teacher. And the many former colleagues and students that came by to say hello to Judi during her hospital stays always provided great comfort.Judi was always a caring and loving Mom and 'Nana' to her grandchildren. She attended countless basketball and baseball games, choir concerts and theater performances over the years. She adored her grandchildren and could not have been prouder of each of them. She was a member of The Red Hat Society, 100 Women Who Care About Lorain County and supported several other organizations. She treated her dogs like her children throughout her life, even adopting a rescue dog named Ms. Beasley. She enjoyed many hobbies in her 'free time' including travelling, sewing, playing mahjong, arranging flowers, cooking, entertaining, attending theater and spending time with her friends.She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Jorgensen; and daughter, Jodie Jorgensen.She is survived by her three sons, Scott Jorgensen, of Elyria, Matt Jorgensen of Cleveland and Brett (Rohoni) Jorgensen of Strongsville; eight grandchildren, Luke, C.J., Nate, Chase, Logan, Savannah, Chris and Jade; and nieces and nephews.A Memorial Service is scheduled Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria, Ohio at 11 a.m. The family will hold a private burial at a later date.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Friendship Animal Protective League in Lorain County, Ohio.