Judith "Judy" A. Lyman

Lyman, Judith Ann Madison / Sarasota, Florida 

Judith Ann Lyman, née Sanford, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025. She was born on February 1, 1941, to Orville and Beulah Sanford and grew up in the close-knit community of La Farge, Wisconsin. Judy graduated from La Farge High School and later attended Madison Business College, where she developed the poise, professionalism, and confidence that would shape so much of her life. 

In 1959, Judy was honored as first runner-up in the Miss Wisconsin Pageant, a moment that reflected her lifelong love of fashion, modeling, grace, and personal presentation. Soon after, she married Bob Rosa, an insurance executive in Madison, and together they welcomed two children, Robert and Michelle. During these early years of family life, Judy and Bob lovingly restored the historic Roxbury Stone Farm House, originally built as a winery in 1845. The property’s unique beauty and Judy’s talent for restoration and design led to a 1975 PBS feature, where she was interviewed about the transformation she and Bob accomplished. 

Judy later began a successful modeling career with Gered Models International, eventually becoming Vice President and Director of Admissions. In 1978, she married Jim Lyman, with whom she shared four decades of love, partnership, and adventure. Together they enjoyed many years at their cherished Lake Wisconsin cottage and later in Sarasota, Florida, where they spent much of their life together surrounded by sunshine, water, and dear friends. 

Judy was also highly successful in high-end jewelry sales with Saks Fifth Avenue, where she was consistently recognized as a top producer. Her impeccable taste, warm personality, and genuine interest in people made her unforgettable to colleagues and clients alike. Outside of work, Judy’s passions flourished: she embraced decorating, gardening, entertaining, and the simple joy of spending time by the water. 

Christmas held a special place in Judy’s heart. She created magical holidays filled with beauty, thoughtful details, and celebrations that made family and friends feel truly cherished. Her ability to elevate ordinary moments into lasting memories was one of her greatest gifts. 

Judy and Jim shared a love of travel and adventure, taking numerous cruises and exploring destinations around the world. Their travels enriched their lives with unforgettable experiences and deepened the bond they treasured. 

Judy is survived by her children, Robert (Michael) Rosa of Madison and Michelle (Jason) Rosa-Rosinski of Janesville; her niece, Lisa (Max) Boyer of Naperville, Illinois; and her first cousins, Richard (Barbara) Hooverson of Belton, Texas, and Linda (Joe) Jackson of Tucson, Arizona. She is further survived by her stepchildren, Mike (Julie), Kelly, and Jeff (Becki) Lyman of Chicago; her sister-in-law, Susan Balaguero of Cape Canaveral, Florida; her step-grandchildren, Paul and Ivy Rosinski of Janesville and James, William, and Ben Lyman of Chicago; and a nephew, Michael (Jane) Balaguero of Connecticut. 

She is also survived by her Rosa family: sister-in-law Rochelle Rosa of Marshall; nieces Sally (Don) Pope of Janesville and Nichole (Seth) Rosa-Robinson of Marshall; nephews Scott (Brenda Wall) Nehring of Woodburn, Oregon, and Christopher (Linsey) Bieser of Fletcher, North Carolina. The family would like to acknowledge her late brother-in-law, Ken (Sandy) Nehring of Whitewater, whose memory remained important to her throughout her life. 

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Beulah Sanford; her sister, Shirley Lepley; her aunts, Beatrice (Trace) Johnson and Pauline (Palmer) Hooverson; her former husband, Bob Rosa; her husband, Jim Lyman; her nephew, Steven Lepley; and her step-grandchild, Jacob Popp. 

Judy’s life was defined by beauty, kindness, grace, and the deep love she held for family and friends. She touched countless lives through her generosity of spirit, her warm presence, and her unwavering ability to make others feel valued. Her legacy will continue in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

In honor of Judy’s memory, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org