In lieu of flowers, family and friends of Judy Fazio who prefer to provide a memorial contribution may do so. The family will use these to honor Judy Fazio's life and memory. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts throughout this challenging time.
Judy Fazio of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home on September 23, 2026. She was 90 years old.
Born in Minden, Louisiana, Judy spent most of her life in Baton Rouge. She lived with boundless energy, an adventurous spirit, and a deep commitment to helping others. She was a lifelong learner who was always moving, exploring, reading, or finding a way to make a difference in someone's life.
Judy devoted her career to social work and mental health. She worked for the State of Louisiana for nearly 60 years and spent more than 50 years counseling clients through Catholic Social Services, in addition to her state employment. Her work extended to adoptive home studies, home health visits, and many years on call overnight and weekends for the Our Lady of the Lake Cope Team. She was always on the cutting edge of her profession and was certified as an EMDR therapist just ten years ago at the age of 80.
Judy was ahead of her time in recognizing the connection between physical activity and mental health. In the 1970s, as research began highlighting the benefits of exercise for anxiety and depression, she organized a walking and running group for her clients, meeting weekly to walk/jog around the Louisiana State Capitol grounds. Her interest in mental health never waned. Even in her 80s, she kept up with the latest medical and scientific research, often found curled up on the sofa with a new issue of Psychology Today or a nonfiction book.
Education was always important to Judy. Later in life, she returned to Louisiana State University and earned a second graduate degree, this one a Master of Arts in Humanities. In 1992, she graduated alongside her daughter Sindey, who was completing her own master's degree. Judy also loved book festivals and never lost her appetite for learning. Her dedication to social work inspired her granddaughter Elise to enter the same profession, and the two even attended continuing education classes together as fellow social workers.
Judy's commitment to staying active was legendary. She ran marathons, swam, biked, and practiced yoga. She took judo and belly dancing lessons, always ready to try something new. One December, she biked the entire circumference of Hawaii's Big Island. For one birthday, she joined her daughters on a 100-mile bike ride. She was known to walk as much as five miles a day and remained determined to keep moving well into her 90th year. She retired from her part-time work with the state the day before her 90th birthday.
She loved to travel, from the Greek Isles and Morocco to Italy, Spain, France, and England. Her road trips were epic, and she was always up for another adventure. Her last big trip was to Hawaii in April of this year for her granddaughter's wedding.
Judy also had a wonderful sense of humor and a collection of expressions and traditions that were unmistakably hers. A quick trip into a store, mall, or other indoor venue she didn't want to linger in was a “strategic
strike.” She kept a secret stash of chocolate in her closet, known to the family as “closet chocolate,” and could make the best root beer float. She had no qualms about eating ice cream for breakfast. And she loved music, especially the blues, with Percy Sledge among her favorites.
Above all, Judy was generous and caring, always thinking of others and finding ways to give. She was her family's biggest cheerleader, encouraging the people she loved and celebrating their accomplishments. Her energy, curiosity, and devotion to others left a lasting impression on her family, her colleagues, and the many people whose lives she touched.
Judy is survived by her brother, Roy Brooks, and his wife, Christine; her three children, Tommy Fazio and his wife, Tammy, Sally Fazio Kidd, and Sindey Fazio Chaky and her husband, Joel; four grandchildren, Tracy Fazio Jenny, Craig Fazio, Elise Chaky-Damico, and Michele Chaky; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sandra Thornhill.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 pm on December 5, 2026, at The Orangerie at Burden Museum and Gardens, 4560 Essen Lane in Baton Rouge. In true Judy fashion, we invite everyone to leave the black attire at home and come dressed in colors that celebrate life, love, and the joy she brought to those around her. A traditional funeral simply wouldn’t have been Judy’s style!