Judith Lynn ( Macchia) Kornafel, 71, of West Lafayette, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Born on June 30, 1949, in Gary to Mike Dominick and Elizabeth (Pilla) Macchia, Judy grew up in large family and spent much time in the family church pastored by her father. There she developed her boundless love for her Lord Jesus Christ and her lifelong passion for worshipping God through her beautiful piano playing and vocals.

Shortly after Judy graduated from Lew Wallace High School, a young man just returning from the war caught her eye while he was cruising on Broadway in his shiny muscle car. She married that young man, Michael Kornafel, Jr, on September 6, 1969, and he would become her lifelong partner, friend and #1 fan. They raised their children, Michael and Michelle, in a household full of love, support and laughter.

As a young woman, Judy couldn’t deny the calling in her heart to become a nurse and care for others. Even while raising young children, she was driven to overcome many challenges and completed her nursing degree. She went on to have a 25 year career at Munster Community Hospital where she forged strong friendships and affirmed her passion for the medical field. Always compelled by self-improvement, Judy completed two additional degrees, a Masters in Heath Administration and a Masters in Business Administration. Continuing to embrace new challenges, Judy and Mike relocated to Jonesboro, AK, in 2004 where she became a Director of Surgical Services at St Bernards Medical Center, then later held the same title at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. She was very proud to be a part of the St Jude team, and truly loved working side-by-side with the hospital’s exceptional physicians and team in the mission of saving childrens’ lives.

In June 2011, with the draw of a new baby grandson, Judy retired from St Jude and moved West Lafayette to be closer to family. So close, in fact, that they moved just a few doors down from her grandson, Mak, so she could spoil him with love, attention and “stroops” at every chance.

Judy’s personality was larger than life in so many ways. When she did something, she did it wholeheartedly. Her love of music was ever present, and when she no longer played in church, she blessed others by posting her beautiful songs online for all to enjoy. She was also an avid quilter… that is when her well-fed kitty, Charlie, would allow her to use her fabric. She shared her stunning creations with so many of her friends and family who will enjoy them always. She also loved to garden. It wasn’t unheard of that she would find a plant or flower that she loved, and find ways to grow the biggest and best of it (except that darn lemon tree that never fruited and tormented her for years).

Anyone who knew Judy two things about her: she was a selfless giver and the greatest, most halarious story-teller you will ever meet. She loved to tell stories about growing-up, raising her children, the family church, her days in medical care, and so much more. The details, expressions, and just the right dose of exagerration in her stories would always gather a crowd and have them roaring with laughter… even with the most every-day subject matter. It didn’t matter if it was the first or the tenth time you’d heard it, the story got better every time.

To everyone’s surprise, Judy was striken by a severe stroke from which she had no chance of recovery. The Lord blessed her with a peaceful and loving transition surrounded by her family. She is in the arms of her Lord and reunited with those who preceded in death, her parents Mike Dominick and Elizabeth (Pilla) Macchia and her beloved brother, Donald Dean Macchia. There is no doubt that heaven in noisy with music and laughter as they all come together once again.

Surviving her are her husband, Michael Kornafel, Jr; her two children, Michael Joseph (wife Gina Marie) Kornafel of West Lafayette and Michelle Elizabeth Lynn (husband Kurtis John) Snay of New Your City, NY; two brothers, Frank (wife Verena) Macchia of Alisa Viejo, CA and Michael Dominick (wife Jane) Macchia of Hobart, two sisters, Antonietta Michelle (husband Bill) Winterberg of Bismarck, ND, and Sylvia Jean Macchia of Valparaiso. Also surviving is her grandson, Michael Andrew “Mak” Kornafel of West Lafayette.

A private family service will be held in West Lafayette. Interment will be at Spring Vale Cemetery in Lafayette.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute in Judith’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.