Judith Anne Mays

Judith Anne Mays, MD (née Wicklund), 80, of Vermilion, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Kingston of Vermilion after a lengthy illness.

Born, along with her identical twin Joyce, on September 6, 1944, in Duluth, MN, Judy grew up with a deep curiosity about the world and a heart for helping others. She went to the University of Michigan, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She taught math for three years at Washington Local Schools in Toledo. She made the courageous decision to follow her calling by returning to school to pursue science prerequisites needed for medical school at The Ohio State University. She attended the Medical College of Ohio, where she received her Doctor of Medicine.

Over the course of more than 40 years, Judy dedicated her life to caring for patients as a Doctor of Internal Medicine. She served communities in Texas, Alaska, Alabama, and multiple areas of Ohio including more recently offices in Elyria, Sheffield, and Lorain. Her compassion, kindness, and quiet strength touched countless lives before her retirement in 2011.

Outside of medicine, Judy found joy and purpose in her faith and music. She played cello, piano, flute, and sang in church choirs throughout her life. She even attempted to learn the saxophone during her retirement. She was last an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Toledo, where she sang in the choir, participated in many bible studies, volunteered, and became a Stephen minister. She was a past member of First Lutheran Church in Lorain, where she was a member of the choir and church council. In her later years, she enjoyed time with her family and friends, logic puzzles, research, reading, watching murder mysteries and crime shows, and the companionship of her dog, grand dogs, and eventually grandson.

Family was at the heart of Judy’s life. She was an amazing mom who perfectly met the needs of her children, who have opposite personalities and needs, through many difficult times. She adored her grandson. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Anne (Andrew) Stefanacci of Vermilion and Rebecca (Brendan) Mays Calhoun of Maumee; her beloved grandson, Jack; her identical twin, Joyce (Ronald) Kissell of Shelbyville, IN; and her brother, David (Susan) Wicklund of Sylvania, OH.

She was welcomed into eternal rest by her parents, Wayne and Elna (née Buresh) Wicklund, and her sisters, Karen Wicklund and Mary (Dave) Angerer.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Funeral services will be Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, OH 44089. Judy will be laid to rest at Rugby Cemetery, Brownhelm Township. A catered lunch will be served at the church afterwards.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, OH 44089 or a church of the donor’s choice, honoring Judy’s lifelong commitment to healing and service.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.