Judy A. (Arbogast) Mccardel

Judy Ann Arbogast McCardel, born June 6, 1952, lived a large and inspiring life. In addition to being a world-renowned master weaver, with her rugs gracing the floors of family homes and Ralph Lauren showrooms around the world, Judy was a beloved friend to everyone she met.

Judy was a mother to all who needed one. She raised five remarkable humans, Jennisen (Joshua) Lucas, Jeffery (Jill) McCardel, Kristen (Jack) McCardel Ware, Maureen (Eric) McCardel, and Zachary (Alisha) McCardel, their significant others, and all of the friends they brought home over the years. Affectionately known as Mimi, Judy put the “grand” in grandmother for Eilis (18), Aine (15), Abaigeal (14), Rowan (10), Connor (9), Kenneth (10), and Kylee (13) as well as all of their friends.

She was a weaver of rugs, stories, and safety nets. She modeled patience, kindness, generosity, and acceptance, and in “Six Easy Lessons,” she could teach how to sew on a button, use “castle manners,” or make a mean chocolate chip cookie.

She supported the dreams of all who knew her, giving her time, voice, and enthusiasm, even when those dreams took her children all over the country and the world. She learned about computer security, librarianship, geology, pottery, business, anthropology, circuses, steampunk, ballet, baton, gymnastics, track, baseball, and anything else that interested any of her kids — at least enough to keep up with our conversations.

She mended pants, papers, and broken hearts. She filled rooms with love and laughter, kept secrets, offered advice, and could always find a reason for a party!

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Tommie Hugh Arbogast and Kathleen Grace (Burke) Arbogast, her sisters Rosemary (Arbogast) Robinson and Kathy Arbogast, and her brothers Ronald Arbogast, James Arbogast, Richard Arbogast, and John Thomas Arbogast. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Edwin Michael McCardel, children (listed above), grandchildren (listed above), sister Joan (Jim) Mooney, and brother Kenneth (Kate) Arbogast, and her plethora of nieces and nephews.

We love you, Mommy. You knew what you were doing.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church in Danville at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 13, 2024, with an hour of visitation starting at 9:00.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you plant native wildflowers in Judy’s honor or make a donation in her honor to a charity that reminds you of her generous spirit.