Birth date: Nov 9, 1940 Death date: Jul 22, 2023
Judith Ann Hughes Krogsgard, at the age of 82, entered eternal rest peacefully on Saturday evening, July 22, 2023, at Heritage Manor of Mandeville surrounded by her loving family. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November Read Obituary
she was a loving great grandma to me and my brother
i remember when she would laugh and talk with us about school
So, it has been over 51 years since I have spoken to the Krosgsgard family. However, I do have fond memories of Judy and Russ visiting my parent's house during the holidays singing Christmas Carols until midnight. Another fond memory was my mother taking Judy and her two daughters grocery shopping every Saturday morning. It was so refreshing to hear my mom and Judy laugh the entire trip. I lost my mom eight years ago - I do know the pain you are feeling. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy was more than an aunt to me, she was also my 2nd mother. Not many know, but when my mother died (I was 15) and Russ & Judy took me in. They didn't have to do that, but they did. Since then I has always been grateful for that. They gave me a family to belong to and to love again. To me Russ and Judy will always be my parents, my family, and will miss them until we meet again.
I am so sorry to hear of Miss Judy's passing. My thoughts are with you, Kay and Lisa and the whole family. I am glad that I was able to reconnect with her recently. Love and peace to you all.
Judy, I met you in the 80's & we became best friends very fast. You're theater auditions were the BEST! For the 1st " Babes in Toyland", which I believe you wrote, were the most creative auditions that I've ever experienced. You had my son pretend he was sneaking into his parents closet, taking down a gift, unwrapping it, peaking inside, and replacing back on the shelf without being caught in the act. Then he was to pretend a room is closing in on all sides with him inside. I thought,
" Here is a very creative person who loves children." Then one evening you said, Judy, to me," Do you have a white turtle neck shirt , black leggings and black boots?" Ut oh! I knew what that meant. I was to be in the live show as a replacement that evening. " Can you go get them?" You asked. Now you have to understand that Judy, when you asked me to do something, the answer was ALWAYS, "Yes, MAM." Ran home & went on stage because I knew the "dance of the tin soldiers". Oops. From there I helped with costumes and took a child in a back room who were singing "off key", to coach him in the future- "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory", as they rehearsed the music at your Judy K Studio on Florida St, Mandeville. I can still remember "like a rolling camera", his 'off key' voice. I loved Judy so much that I taught Kindermusik for 6 years under her business & gave you all of the profit. We also used your Judy K Studio to practice music for " The Christmas Past", in Mandeville for many years. It hasn't been the same since. It's your influence , Judy, you influenced me to join the Old Mandeville Business Assoc. You see, you had THAT much influence as a very special person. Once while singing at Christmas as a group at the Mandeville Trailhead, & of course with you, Judy, directing, you looked at me with a sterness. I realized I had not paid attention & had started singing in the wrong key. That I'll not forget, as I can still see your face at that moment. You were respected and one listened to your every word--- most of the time. Co- directing a musical with you, Judy, was 'something else' burned into my memory & had humerous moments. You gratiously allowed me to " give notes" 1st before you did, to the cast of 50 actors. When I finished, you looked at me bluntly & said," Are you FINISHED?" ( in an authoritan voice I had learned to LOVE). I replied in the affirmative. Judy, you then said,
" Okay then, we are finished" ( with "notes").
In Jan.1997 I moved to Dallas but just had to return so that 3 of my children could enroll in your special summer work shop at The Masonic Hall near the Landing , Covington & with Russel Krogsgard, Judy, and Ray Perrer, a tap dancer, all teaching some part. In a Vaudeville version of Pinocchio, my son played Gapetto, my daughter , Beltramo the cat, and younger son, with marionettes & jokes. You remember. The children made their own papier mache mask and marionette puppets. That's how amazing of a teacher you were. It was 3 weeks. I was willing to pay the $150/ child for 3 weeks while staying at the well known Green Springs Motel. It didn't matter, because you crrated the best summer theater experience ever.
Recently, while visiting you at Heritage Manor, we took turns with different attitudes in voice saying the words of film star Marilyn Deitrich,
"I want to be alone." It was hilarious. My small dog fell asleep curled in your bed at your insistence. I woke you up to leave. You asked me, if my small dog could have a sleep over. You LOVED ANIMALS.
You were like a mother to me and your husband, Russell, I renamed, " Old Wise One", as you know.. I see Russel every day at the side of my driveway represented by a stained glass Owl on a garden stake. I would call him when making an important decision. You were both quite the power couple. Judy, I will miss you forever. You gave me talents and courage that I didn't know I had. You were loyal and encouraging as you saw nothing as a problem that couldn't be solved. You began my daughter's singing which led to singing "The National Anthem" at Sporting events at The Dome, The Arena, Tulane Basketball and Zepher field and I am forever thankful that you entered my life as the greatest influencer, since my own mother. I'm going to say the words my daughter sang at Russel Krogsgard's memorial at Playmakers Theater, which is from the Broadway Musical, " Wicked".
🎵"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives 🎶for a reason
🎶Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
🎶To those who lives help us most to grow
🎶If we let them
And we help them in return
🎶Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
🎶But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:
🎶Who can say if I've changed for the better?
🎶But because I knew you
I've been changed for Good. 🎶You've left a handprint on my heart. Love you Judy. 💞And, I know that we will continue to enjoy a long relationship again, in Heaven. I look forward to that. We shall sing and laugh as we quote film lines that you love 💞. TTYL
Dear Kay Lynne, Lisa Ann, Jeff & family,
Our deepest sympathies to your family. Your beloved mother was our musical advisor on several Playmakers productions, my personal vocal coach and a good friend. Loved her amazing vocal &.musical talents, her big giving heart and her great laugh.
Also, knew your talented father and you two girls when you were small. Precious family. Your parents were so proud of you girls. Always keeping me posted on all your activities and adventures.
Robert & I are so sorry for your loss. We places your beloved mother & your family on the Mass list at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and on the prayer list at New Hope Baptist Church in Seneca, South Carolina.
May your fond memories of your beloved mother bring comfort and peace to each of you now and forever. God bless
Mr.&.Mrs. Robert Carter Townsend
(Nee: George-Ann Stokes)
Seneca, South Carolina
My best friend and I had so much fun doing scenery for Mrs. Krogsgard's productions back in the late 80s. Once I had to stand in for someone on stage and I was terrified, but she gave me the confidence to power through. She was a real pro. Great memories. May she rest in peace.
