Judith L. Wilner, cracking jokes up until the end, passed away at her home at the Cedars of Chapel Hill on May 20, 2009, with her son and daughter holding her hands. Judie, who lived most of her life in Roslyn, N.Y. and Boca Raton, Fla., was born in New York City on January 5, 1922 to Louis and Beatrice Simkin, who predeceased her, as did her brothers, Robert (Olga) and Gilbert Simkin. She had a wonderful, loving 45-year marriage to Dr. Julian P. Wilner, also deceased.
Judie loved to play canasta with her women friends; donated her time supporting the charitable work of ORT; had a great appreciation for art, theatre, dance and music; and traveled the world.
Judie is survived by her son, Jonathan Wilner of Carrboro, N.C., and by her daughter, Diane (Robert) Tucker of Marietta, Ga. She will be missed by the three loving grandchildren she adored, Lauren, Evan and Brandon Tucker. She enjoyed special relationships with her niece, Sandy Rogers, and with her daughter-in-law, Margaret Wilner, both of whom appreciated her unconditional love and friendship. She is also survived by her nephews, Paul (Bryna) Simkin and Dr. Larry (Hannah) Wilner, and by her niece, Lori (Dr. Arnold) Mishcon, as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
The family sincerely thanks the wonderful companions who assisted Judie over the past year, especially Frances Cagle, Elizabeth Adjei and Stella Joseph. Their expressions of love and compassion will not be forgotten. She received wonderful support from UNC Hospice during her final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made to The ArtsCenter Scholarship Fund, 300-G East Main St., Carrboro, NC 27510, or to the American Cancer Society.
Memorial service and burial were held on Sunday, May 24 in Hollywood, Fla.
Judie’s love, generosity and humor will be missed by all who knew her.