Judith M. Schmalz, age 74, died Saturday, March 21, 2026, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center—Appleton. Judy was born in Appleton on February 18, 1952, to the late Kenneth and Delores (Verhagen) Hennessey. Judy married John Schmalz in Little Chute on April 24, 2004. Judy spent many years working as a teacher's aide in Texas before retiring as an infant daycare teacher in Darboy. She loved motorcycle trips to the Black Hills and their many friends they met on the bike over the years, especially Greg, Stacey, and Denver. Judy found quiet joy in the simple moments of being outdoors, whether sitting in the backyard watching the birds, enjoying the sunshine, or relaxing on her swing while visiting with the neighbor boy, Arvo. Above all, Judy cherished her family and the time she spent with them. Her granddaughters were her world— she rarely missed their activities, and they loved and cared for their grandma just as deeply in return.

Judy is survived by her husband of almost 22 years, John; her daughter, Jessica (Ruben) Garza, of Little Chute; and her granddaughters, Isabel and Alicia. She is further survived by her siblings: Sharon (Randy) Gascoigne, of Madison; Mary (Jeff) Vanden Boogard, of Darboy; Bob Hennessey, of Appleton; Janet (Guy) Van Dyn Hoven, of Kaukauna; Kathy (special friend Russ) Van Toll, of Kimberly; Don (Tara) Hennessey, of Clayton; and Mark (Lisa) Hennessey, of Little Chute; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Judy is preceded in death by her son, Juan Jesus "Johnny" Leal, Jr., and her sister, Vicki Hennessey.

A Celebration of Life for Judy will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the nurses and hospice staff for their compassionate care during Judy's final days.