Judy Showalter

Judy Showalter (Gibson), age 71 of St. Paul, passed away suddenly at home on January 4, 2026 surrounded by family.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, she devoted her life to caring for others both at home and through her work as a nurse.

She cherished time spent with family, whether gathered together at the cabin, working on puzzles, or sharing stories. Her whistle could call her children from an unbelievable distance. She enjoyed ice cream and spending quiet hours building many puzzles. Her hands were always busy with knitting, sewing, embroidery, and books, each stitch and puzzle piece a reflection of her creativity and patience.

Her Catholic faith and strong belief in Jesus guided her every step. She had a deep love for the Virgin Mary. She taught religion classes at church to many children over the years. She found comfort in her favorite poem, Footprints in the Sand, and lived each day by the Golden Rule-treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect.

Disney held a special place in her heart. Her kitchen is full of Mickey and Minnie pots, pans, utensils and salt & pepper shakers. Trips to Florida to visit Disney World brought her childlike wonder to life. Her laughter, faith, and gentle spirit will be remembered always, and her legacy of love will live on in those she cherished most.

As in her favorite poem, when the path grew hard, she was carried. Now she walks forever with Jesus, leaving footprints of love, kindness, and faith upon the hearts of all who knew her.

She was loved beyond words, will be missed beyond measure, and is reunited with her Savior.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Gibson Sr. and Helen Gibson; brothers Kenneth Gibson Jr. (who recently passed), David Gibson, and Donald Gibson; sister Cherylee; in-laws, Leo Showalter Jr. and Margaret Showalter; nieces Paula Gibson and Pamela Gibson; and nephew David Gibson.

She is survived by husband of 50 years Dan Showalter Sr.; children Danny Jr., Jeff (Krista) Showalter, Steve (Stacy) Showalter, Bryan Showalter, Elisabeth (Ross) Gaboury, and Andy Showalter; grandchildren Logan Showalter, Miles Showalter, Brianna Gaboury, Joshua Gaboury, and Clara Esterl-Showalter; brothers Patrick Gibson, William (Bonnie) Gibson, Daniel (Judith) Gibson, Robert (Carrie) Gibson, Michael Gibson, and James (Roxie) Gibson; sister, Sharon Gibson; in-laws Fred (Sonja) Showalter, Linda (Todd) Andresen, Bob Showalter, Tom (Maureen) Showalter, Lori (Gary) Williams, Pat (Janet) Showalter, Matt (Gee) Showalter, Leo (Jamie) Showalter III, and Jerry (Debbie) Showalter; and many loved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many loved friends.

A Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Thursday, January 15 at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Pkwy, St. Paul. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption, 51 7th St W, St. Paul on Friday, January 16 at 10 AM with visitation beginning one hour prior. Burial to follow at Union Cemetery.