Judy Ann Serwatka, age 63, of Valparaiso, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2014. She was born in Gary, Indiana to Carl and Mary Ellen Penovich, graduated from Andrean High School in 1969, and earned three college degrees from Purdue University and her doctorate from Northern Illinois University. After working in business as a computer programmer and systems engineer, she joined the faculty of Purdue’s Calumet campus to pursue a career in higher education. At the time of her death she was Professor in the College of Business at Purdue North Central, where she had worked for 12 years. She was an accomplished professional, the author of two textbooks and many scholarly papers and presentations, and a campus leader. But Judy’s life had many dimensions. She was also certified as an Advanced Master Gardener and an accredited Horticulturalist and was actively involved in the Porter County’s Master Gardener program. She was an avid gardener, known for her beautiful landscaping, colorful flower beds, and delicious home grown produce, the latter often shared with family and friends. Judy was a dedicated Miata owner, belonging to the Indy and Windy City Miata Clubs as well as the Lake Effect Miata Club, serving as its President and Editor. She thoroughly enjoyed adventurous car trips that included searches for unusual treasures in out-of-the-way places, but she also loved being at home to host family get-togethers, gather data from her NOAA National Weather Service weather station, and care for her cats. Judy gave generously to many and in many ways, and she was an inspiration to those who knew her. She will be deeply missedbut never forgotten. Judy is survived by her husband: Conrad M. Serwatka of Valparaiso; mother: Mary Ellen Penovich of Crown Point; sister: Marilyn Friend (Bruce) Brandon of Greensboro, NC; and brother Dan (Cindy) Penovich of Naperville, IL, and their children Laura and Mark. Family and Friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service, 6360 Broadway, Merrillville, Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Judy’s life will be Monday, May 19, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. from Pruzin Brothers Chapel and 10:00 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5885 Harrison St. Merrillville, with Rev. David Gosnell officiating. At rest, Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s name may be made to the Independent Cat Society of Porter County or Porter County Master Gardening program.