Judith "Judy" Olson Mosca

Judy passed on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Pathstone Memory Care. Judy had dementia for 9 years but still traveled and remained at home for 7 years.

Celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 11am, Friday, May 9, 2025, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North with visitation starting at 9:30am. Family graveside service will be held in Chisholm at a later date. Please share a memory of Judy, view her video tribute, and watch her service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Memorials are preferred to Dementia Friends Minnesota (www.dementiafriendsmn.org/donate or 1265 Grey Fox Road, Suite 2, Arden Hills, MN 55112) or the St. Joseph’s Indian School (www.stjo.org/help-native-americans-memorials/) or St. Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325)

She was born on September 26, 1946, in Eau Claire, WI and lived a life of loving, caring and compassion. Judy will be remembered for her magical smile that lit up the room.

Judy graduated from Mankato West High School in 1964. She received her bachelor’s degree from MSU in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Elementary Counseling. Judy taught in Owatonna; Mankato; Greeley, Colorado; and was the Elementary Counselor in New Ulm for 23 years. She was the first elementary counselor in SW Minnesota, earning New Ulm Teacher of the Year, twice Elementary Counselor of the Year, and was a MN Teacher of the Year finalist. Judy wrote beautiful poetry of which some was published. She enjoyed her many years with the Southern MN Poets Society.

Judy was also adjunct faculty at MSU. She always had time and concern for the international student body at MSU regardless of race or creed. After retiring, she continued schooling as a spiritual counselor at Hope Interfaith Center in Mankato. Her spiritual work transcended emotional ties to those with physical or mental issues. Judy gave 100% to those in need and always sought out those less fortunate than herself.

Judy was united in marriage to Jerry Mosca on June 12, 1980, in Eau Claire. They lived in Mankato for 44 years. Judy and Jerry loved to travel and had numerous trips to Mexico, Europe, Canada and all 50 states. Judy loved Hawaii and they renewed their vows after 25 years of marriage in Princeville, Kauii. After retirement, Judy and Jerry wintered for 20 years in Arizona and California. Dancing was often on the calendar whether it be oldies or polka at a wedding. For many years, play tickets to MSU productions were enjoyed by Judy and her circle of friends. Each year an MSU scholarship will be awarded to an Elementary Counseling student in Judy’s name.

Her involvement with the Native American Community was well-known, and powwows were on the calendar each fall. She was a strong supporter and donor to the St. Joseph Indian School in South Dakota. When the miracle white buffalo was born in Wisconsin, Judy and Jerry journeyed there to view that wonder.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; in-laws, Sue and Roger Champa, Diane and Bob Graham, and Ron Mosca; nieces, Natalie Jennings and Alyssa Kane; nephew, Max Mosca; and many cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Dolores (Timbers) Olson.

Judy was kind to everyone and was the friend everyone wished they had. Jerry cherished her.