Judith A. (Maline) Yurgalewicz ’75
Judith A. (Maline) Yurgalewicz, Strongsville, OH, died October 11, 2023.
Born in Hartford, CT, Judi was the daughter of an FBI special agent father, which meant a transfer to Chicago where she spent her early growing-up years in the Chicago suburb of Park Forest, IL.
At Rich Central High School, Judi excelled in academics and developed a self-taught passion for music, learning how to play the guitar and forming a folk group consisting of six girls, called JAM & Company that performed at local school events, meetings and events.
Her college choice found her following her father’s path in enrolling at Saint Michael’s. Judi was part of second class of female students at the College, where she met her future husband, John Yurgalewicz ’73, who was a then junior, two years ahead of her. At St. Mike’s she continued pursuing her love for music and voice/theatre performance, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an education minor. Her college experiences included performance with the College Choir at Notre Dame Cathedral (Montreal), St. Patrick’s Cathedral (NYC), and roles in various plays and musicals as part of her drama curriculum.
Following graduation, Judi moved back home to Illinois, where she married John. There she remained active in local church and community through choir and theater, including performing the female lead in the musical Oklahoma!
Career wise, Judi began working in downtown Chicago at the membership desk of the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Soon to follow were the birth of her children and a move farther south of Chicago to a small farming community, Peotone, IL. There she was greatly involved with her two young children, as Cub Scout – Den Mother/Boy Scout adult leadership, and through church with summer Bible School and director of the music program.
In 1988 she moved to Olmsted Falls, OH, in support of John’s job change, and to reunite with her sister’s family. Judi stayed involved and supportive in all the Ballet Academy, school sports, choir and band activities of her children. During her children’s school period, Judi was a substitute teacher and worked as a proof-reader/magazine specialist for Penton Publishing.
Fall of 2005 came with a re-location move, due to husband John’s career situation, to Attleboro, MA, with many family trips back and forth to Ohio, until John’s retirement from work and a subsequent move back to Strongsville, OH, in January 2021.
Once returned to Ohio, Judi’s focus was being with her children and grandchildren She participated in as many of their activities, as possible. Judi’s passion and commitment were always selflessly directed to supporting and loving her family.
Her father, Robert “Bob” Maline ’51, predeceased her. Judi is survived by her husband of 47 years, John Yurgalewicz ’73, a son, a daughter, a sister and extended family.
