Judith "Judy" E. (Lempia) Mazzeo

Judith E. (Lempia) Mazzeo, age 81, of Virginia, Minn., passed away unexpectedly on January 9th, 2026, at Heritage Manor in Chisholm, Minn.

Judy was born on February 19, 1944, in Soudan, Minn. to Ray and Jenny Lempia.

She graduated from Embarrass High School in 1962. Immediately after high school she joined the U.S. Navy and served her country until 1964. While in the Navy Judy met her husband Anthony Mazzeo III. They were married on November 2, 1963, in San Diego, CA. Together they made their home and raised their family in Embarrass, Minn. on her family homestead. She worked as an insurance agent for many years. In 2008 they moved to the Washington Manor, in Virginia, Minn. where they enjoyed their retirement together.

Judy was known for being a true SISU through and through. She was a true believer in the Lord, a compassionate friend, loving mother and wife. She was a very proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was always the happiest surrounded by her family and friends. She was always knitting, quilting, or working her needlepoint. She blessed many family and friends with her handy work.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Heritage Manor for the excellent care and making Judy feel so special.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Jenny Lempia; step-mother, Sigrid Lempia; and sibilings: Patricia Lempia, Jeralyn Lempia, and Jacob Lempia.

She is survived by her step-sister, Kathryne Kotke; loving husband of 62 years, Anthony Mazzeo III; their children: Theresa (David) Hmielenski, Carolynne (Steven) Pluchino, William (Claudine) Mazzeo, and David (Karlena Flaschberger) Mazzeo; grandchildren: Amanda Hmielenski, Dylan (Kelly) Hmielenski, Jorden Pluchino, Hannah (Joshua) Berning, Ashley (Robert) Carpenter, Tasha (Antwon Johnson) Mazzeo, Zachary Mazzeo, and Leo Goggleye; and great-grandchildren: Ella Rose Hmielenski, Abigail Olson, Elizabeth Carpenter, Hannah Carpenter, Anthony Carpenter, Natasha Johnson, Bella Johnson, and Gracie Johnson. She is also survived by numerous nieces; nephews; cousins; her Washington Manor family; along with many other special friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia, Minn. on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m.; and the service will start at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow afterwards.