Jude Ann (Hession) Synesael, 83, of West Lafayette, formerly of Otterbein, went away to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus in West Lafayette, after spending a remarkable week with family and friends.
She was born May 18, 1942, in Lafayette to the late Leo L. and Mary C. (Klinker) Hession. She was a 1960 graduate of Central Catholic High School. On June 24, 1961, she married (Gerald) Jerry Synesael at The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Lafayette. Jerry has been patiently waiting for her in their heavenly home since his passing on August 2, 2023.
A devout Catholic, committed to her faith, Jude was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in West Lafayette where she was involved in the Music Ministry for over 40 years. She also held several jobs throughout her life, working for the Journal & Courier Motor Route and as a clerk for the Lafayette Police Department, to name a few. However, her utmost favorite place to work was as a cashier at Smitty’s Supermarket, where she knew and loved everyone, and everyone knew and loved her.
Some of Jude’s favorite past times were playing cards, singing, playing Scrabble, and doing puzzles. Above all, Jude cherished time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her 6 children, Dennis (Dawn) Synesael of West Lafayette, Angie (Rik) Cook of West Lafayette, Kelley (Curtis) Pigg of Veedersburg, Stephanie (Ronnie) Orem of Forest, Jeff Synesael of Brookston, and Kim (Jeff) Longfellow of Cutler; a sister, Eileen Hession Weiss of Lafayette; a brother, Patrick Hession of North Carolina; a sister-in-law Catherine Elaine Larson of West Lafayette; 11grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild on the way.
Along with her husband Jerry, and her parents, Leo and Mary, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Philip and Mike Hession; a sister, Mary Ceil LaReau; and granddaughter, Rachel Cook.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Cumberland Pointe for their continual care and friendship.
Memorial Contributions in Jude’s name may be given to the St. Thomas Aquinas Music Ministry, 535 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47906.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until Mass time at 3:00 pm, Monday, January 5, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 535 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47906.
Interment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens Mausoleum, 1718 W. 350 N., West Lafayette, IN
47906.
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