Judy passed away on September 16, 2022 in Milwaukee, WI at the age of 74.
In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Judy was a master educator who touched the lives of countless children, colleagues and families. She always made time to mentor and share her wisdom with anyone who needed guidance or a friendly ear to listen. Her supportive, diplomatic, caring and kind nature endeared her to all. Judy was a true “eshet chayil,” woman of valor.
After her marriage to Eric in 1969, Judy began her 50-year career as an educator teaching 5th grade in Wichita, Kansas. After moving to Milwaukee in 1971, Judy obtained a master of science degree in exceptional education and proceeded to serve in various capacities as a special education teacher, diagnostician, consultant, and supervisor of student teachers in learning disabilities. She taught graduate courses in learning disabilities, effective teaching strategies, and faculty evaluation at Cardinal Stritch College for 14 years.
In 1984, Judy joined the administration at University School of Milwaukee where she remained for 34 years before retiring. At USM, Judy initiated and chaired the USM Learning Center program supporting colleagues, students and their families. She developed and directed USM’s Summer I.D.E.A.S. for 26 years, providing summer experiences to more than 11,000 individual students and hundreds of teachers and assistants. Among her many responsibilities during her tenure, Judy led the USM accreditation process, and also co-chaired numerous ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) accreditation teams; and for more than 20 years, conducted USM’s New Faculty Orientation program.
She was president of the Board of the Milwaukee Jewish Day School. Judy was on the Board of Directors of Congregation Beth Israel and was treasurer of the CBI Sisterhood for almost 30 years.
Beloved wife of Eric M. Bloch. Loving mother of Rachel (Adam Christian) Bloch and Melissa (Jason) Bloch-Meier. Proud grandmother of Bennett and Beau. Further survived by mother-in-law, Vellie Bloch; sisters-in-law, Janet Kernis, Cheryl Wallace, and Renee (Mohamed) Shallouf; niece, Ariel (Sonja Pieck) Kernis; dearest cousin, Merrilee (John) Waldron; and many other loving relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Alvin Kernis, and brother, Dr. Marten M. Kernis.
Graveside funeral service held Sept. 19 at Second Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. Rabbi Joel Alter officiated. Goodman-Bensman Whitefish Bay Funeral Home assisted the family. Memorial contributions to Milwaukee Jewish Day School’s Kernis, Bloch, and Smargon Families Endowment Book Fund appreciated. The family would like to thank Judy’s many caregivers for their love and support.