WHITE STONE—Judith Jane Wagner “Judy” Baensch, 88, of White Stone passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 24, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Edward and Nona Hart Wagner, Judy grew up with a spark that carried her through a life filled with adventure, generosity and joy.
Judy attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee before meeting the love of her life, R. Frederick “Fred” Baensch. The two began their married life with an adventure abroad, spending their first two years together in Munich, Germany, while Fred served in the U.S. Army. When they returned to the states, they settled in Virginia, where Judy supported Fred in running the Virginia branch of the Baensch family business, Chesapeake Herring Corporation.
A true pillar of the Northern Neck community, Judy gave her time and talents into the place she loved. She served as a past president of both the White Stone Junior Woman’s Club, and the Lancaster Players. Her most cherished service, however, was her remarkable 43 years as a volunteer at Rappahannock General Hospital, founded by her husband in 1977.
Judy embraced life with sparkle and style. She was immediately recognizable by her bedazzled outfits, fun jewelry and signature lipstick—applied without fail before stepping out the door. Her quick wit, memorable laugh, and generous heart will long be remembered by all who knew her.
Judy was a consummate hostess, welcoming friends and family to their home on Antipoison Creek with effortless grace. She loved golfing, playing bridge, cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers, and—true to form—never passed up the thrill of a good slot machine.
Whether traveling by plane, cruising by boat, or roaming the country in their RV, she and Fred embraced every adventure that came their way. Still, their happiest days were those spent with family or months spent at the Baensch family cottage in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents; and her brother, James Wagner.
She is survived by her daughters, Lori Baensch Pickett and husband Victor of Chesapeake, and Lisa Baensch Chernoff and Bart Chernoff of Richmond; her grandchildren, Victoria Pickett of Norfolk, Harrison Pickett and wife Maddie of Virginia Beach, and Alex Chernoff of Richmond; and great-grandson, George Harrison Pickett. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces, Susie Berry and Amy Mann, both of Wisconsin.
The family extends its deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Judy’s compassionate care team—Amy Smither, Evelyn Crockett, Angela “Angel” Kelly and Peyton Wilmer of Hospice of Virginia—for their expertise, kindness and unwavering commitment to her comfort and dignity in her final days. We are forever grateful for the support and care you provided to our entire family.
A memorial service will be held at The Island Church, 4425 Windmill Point Road, White Stone on Friday, November 28. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a service at noon and a time of fellowship immediately afterward. To honor Judy’s memory please come dressed in your best and brightest and don’t forget your lipstick!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy’s name to Garfield’s Rescue, PO Box 257, Kilmarnock, VA 22482, or online at garfieldsrescue.org.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
